Kenya

TL;DR breakdown

  • Kenya has decided not to lift the suspension on the Worldcoin project, ignoring the US’s request.
  • The suspension focuses on concerns about personal data collection, including iris scans.
  • Legal actions and investigations into Worldcoin’s practices are ongoing in Kenya and other countries.

Kenya has ignored the United States request to lift the suspension of the Worldcoin cryptocurrency project. Interior Secretary Kithure Kindiki confirmed the decision, emphasizing the need for more robust safety and financial integrity assurances.

“The United States has been pushing the government on the issues of WorldCoin, but we have remained adamant and firm,” Prof Kindiki said. “They (US) think that they (WorldCoin) still have a case to set up their activities here. We have remained adamant and the decision we took will remain. We are not going to review the suspension.”

Concerns Over Data Collection Practices

The crux of the controversy lies in Worldcoin’s use of an Orb device for iris scanning, which has attracted attention for collecting crucial identification information. Hundreds of Kenyans participated, lured by the promise of receiving 25 Worldcoin tokens. However, this practice raised alarm bells for the Kenyan government, leading to the suspension on August 2, 2023. The government cited protecting its citizens’ data privacy as a primary concern.

“The government has suspended forthwith activities of WorldCoin and any other entity that may be similarly engaging the people of Kenya until relevant public agencies certify the absence of any risks to the general public whatsoever,” a statement issued by Prof Kindiki.

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In response to these concerns, a 15-member parliamentary committee led by Gabriel Tongoyo was formed to scrutinize the crypto project further. Moreover, Worldcoin’s operations faced a legal hurdle when a court ordered a suspension following a case filed by the data commissioner’s office. This legal action aims to ensure the preservation of the collected data until the conclusion of the lawsuit, highlighting the government’s commitment to data protection.

Global Regulatory Challenges for Worldcoin

Worldcoin’s journey has been fraught with regulatory issues beyond Kenyan borders. From Spain to South Korea and Hong Kong, authorities have questioned the project’s data collection methods, particularly regarding iris and face scans. These investigations point to a growing global consensus on safeguarding privacy in the face of innovative technologies. Despite its ambitious goal of creating a digital ID system, the project has encountered skepticism due to these privacy and legal challenges.

Conclusion

The standoff between Kenya and Worldcoin exemplifies the increasing scrutiny cryptocurrency projects face worldwide. As governments and regulatory bodies demand higher data protection and financial security standards, projects like Worldcoin must navigate a complex web of legal and ethical considerations. Kenya’s refusal to lift the suspension serves as a cautionary tale for the crypto industry, underscoring the need for compliance with global data protection laws.

Related: Estonia Advance Crypto Regulation with New Bill