Daniel Guerrero, a Venezuelan awaiting asylum approval, saw an opportunity to earn money through Worldcoin. The allure of free money and the promise of a digital passport led him to scan his iris and collect coins. Thousands of people followed suit, including Pedro Durán and Antonio Lledó who invested in the cryptocurrency.
However, the rapid rise in the value of the cryptocurrency attracted even more participants, leading to a frenzy of activity. This caught the attention of the Spanish Data Protection Agency, which intervened and suspended Worldcoin’s operations in Spain due to concerns about the handling of biometric information.
Despite the controversy surrounding biometric data privacy, many people saw Worldcoin as a lifeline. The company behind the technology offered a digital passport that could prove humanity and provide financial benefits to those in need. Pablo Martín, an 18-year-old facing financial difficulties, also saw this opportunity and scanned his iris last December to receive his World ID and accumulate coins.
The sudden halt in operations caused a decline in the value of the cryptocurrency, leaving many disillusioned. However, individuals like Pedro Durán and Antonio Lledó continued their search for alternative channels such as social media and personal transactions to acquire Worldcoin.
In conclusion, while Worldcoin’s ban marked the end of the party for many participants, it served as a valuable lesson in investing in emerging technologies with potential risks and rewards.