Chilean Consumer Agency Demands Halt to Iris Scanning Activities

According to PANews, the Chilean consumer protection agency, SERNAC, has issued a notice to World (formerly Worldcoin) and Rappi, instructing them to cease iris scanning activities in the country. This action comes amid concerns over privacy and data handling practices associated with these activities. Rappi has clarified that it signed a memorandum of understanding with World to conduct a pilot test for on-demand human verification services. This iris scanning initiative is planned to be trialed in Argentina in 2024, contrary to earlier speculations that it would take place in Chile. Despite this clarification, SERNAC has reported receiving several complaints related to World’s operations in Chile. These complaints include allegations of registering minors into the system, operators failing to disclose data handling practices, and the inability to remove data from the system. The situation highlights ongoing concerns about privacy and data protection in the context of biometric data collection. SERNAC's intervention underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in handling sensitive personal information. The agency's actions reflect a broader global scrutiny of biometric data practices, emphasizing the need for companies to adhere to strict data protection standards to maintain consumer trust.