Kirchnerism wants to force all Argentinians to verify their identity to use the internet

Kirchnerism once again highlights its conception of individual freedom with a legislative initiative that threatens to turn internet use in Argentina into an activity conditioned on the mandatory identification of each citizen. National deputy Cecilia López Pasquali, from Unión por la Patria, presented a bill that seeks to require identity verification through biometric data from the National Registry of Persons (RENAPER) to use social networks, digital platforms, and video game applications.

The proposal, presented on November 3 under file 6018-D-2026, aims to establish a mandatory digital identity verification system for those wishing to create, activate, or maintain accounts on the affected platforms. Although the initiative is presented under arguments related to cybersecurity and the protection of minors, its implications for privacy and the exercise of freedom of expression are much deeper.

In practice, the project implies that Argentines will have to prove who they are before they can participate in certain spaces on the internet. A measure that introduces a state identification mechanism over activities that, until now, could be carried out without the need to publicly link an account with the civil identity of its holder.

The Kirchnerist project that aims to identify all internet users

López Pasquali's initiative proposes using the Digital Identity System (SID) of RENAPER to biometrically validate users. The mechanism would apply to social networks, e-commerce platforms, and gaming applications operating in Argentina.

One of the most concerning points is that the obligation would not be limited to those creating new accounts. The text also includes those who already have active profiles, who will have to prove their identity to keep them operational.

The project allows the continued use of pseudonyms, stage names, and avatars. However, behind each account there must exist a previously verified real identity. Additionally, it contemplates the possibility of revealing that identity in response to judicial requests.

This represents a substantial change in the relationship between citizens and digital platforms: anonymity would cease to be an effective possibility for those wishing to express themselves without linking their opinions to their personal identity.

The risk of concentrating sensitive information in RENAPER

Another aspect that raises concern is RENAPER's involvement in the system. The proposal incorporates biometric validation tools from a state agency that has already been involved in controversies over the handling and use of personal information.

In 2021, a leak of personal data was revealed that included information from millions of Argentines. Subsequently, in 2023, the Office of Administrative Investigations reported possible illegitimate uses of information contained in the agency's databases, after detecting unjustified inquiries about politicians, judges, prosecutors, legislators, and other public figures.

These precedents make any expansion of state-linked digital identification mechanisms particularly delicate.

Although the project establishes that platforms cannot store photographs or biometric templates of users and that they will receive validation responses, this does not eliminate questions about the security of the system, access to information, and the guarantees of protection for citizens.

A dangerous precedent for freedom of expression

The underlying problem far exceeds the use of social networks. The ability to express oneself without revealing personal identity serves a fundamental function in any democratic society.

Anonymity allows citizens to report corruption, question public officials, expose abuses of power, and share sensitive information without being immediately exposed to retaliation.

In provinces like Formosa, where the political power of Gildo Insfrán has been at the center of discussions about institutional functioning for decades, the ability to report irregularities without publicly exposing one's identity can be especially important.

It also represents a tool for workers who want to challenge powerful businesspeople, citizens who need to report members of security forces, or individuals who fear persecution for their political opinions.

Mandatory identification can create an intimidating effect: although no one is formally prohibited from criticizing the government, knowing that each account is linked to a verifiable identity can discourage certain expressions.

The project still needs to go through Congress

The Unión por la Patria initiative is not yet law. File 6018-D-2026 has been sent to the commissions of General Legislation, Communications and Informatics, and Families, Childhood, and Youth of the Chamber of Deputies.

Therefore, it still needs to undergo the corresponding parliamentary process before it can become an obligation for Argentine users.

The debate on digital security and the protection of minors is legitimate and necessary. However, using these objectives to justify a widespread biometric identification system raises questions that cannot be ignored.

Argentina does not need the state to know the identity behind every opinion published on the internet to combat fraud or pursue crimes. It needs institutions capable of investigating those responsible without turning all citizens into subjects subjected to permanent identification.

Cecilia López Pasquali's initiative deserves profound rejection and a public debate that puts individual rights at the forefront. Freedom of expression is also defended on the internet, especially when it comes to protecting those who need to speak without fear of retaliation.