Cryptocurrency
Controversy Surrounding Worldcoin Project in Ecuador
Friday. August 16 at 6:00 AM
1 min. readWorldcoin (WLD), a cryptocurrency project co-founded by OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman, launched in Ecuador in June. The project has gained popularity among Ecuadorians, with citizens queuing daily to scan their irises at Worldcoin spots. However, reports suggest that many users consented to the verification out of necessity, with some not being adequately informed. Users receive $30 in WLD tokens after the iris scan, with the opportunity to earn up to $100 through a referral program. The Data Protection Superintendency denied claims that the company behind Worldcoin had notified Ecuadorian authorities about its operations. The Superintendence of Companies warned citizens about the project's irregular activities and urged them not to provide biometric information in exchange for incentives. Ecuador’s Central Bank reiterated that cryptocurrencies are not legal tender in the country, emphasizing that all financial transactions must be conducted in US dollars.