Cartagena residents face fraud risks following iris-scanning programs

Residents in Cartagena, Colombia, are reporting potential financial fraud after participating in iris-scanning activities organized by technology companies in exchange for 20,000 pesos. Victims claim that unauthorized bank accounts and loans are being opened in their names following the collection of their biometric data.

The Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC) previously ordered the immediate closure of operations for World Foundation (formerly Worldcoin Foundation) and Tools for Humanity in the country. A resolution issued in June 2026 reaffirmed this decision, mandating the deletion of all collected biometric data, including iris patterns, with external certification.

The SIC rejected arguments that the data was encrypted or fragmented, stating that the ‘World ID system retains the ability to identify or individualize a person through their biometric patterns.’ Furthermore, the regulator ruled that the monetary incentive invalidated the consent, as authorization must be free and informed without economic incentives.