The Kenyan government has taken decisive action to halt all activities related to the controversial cryptocurrency project, WorldCoin. Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki announced in a statement that the government is deeply concerned about the project, which has attracted thousands of Kenyans. The suspension will remain in effect until relevant agencies certify the absence of any security risks.
“Relevant security, financial services, and data protection agencies have initiated inquiries and investigations to determine the authenticity and legality of the aforementioned activities, as well as the safety and protection of the harvested data and its intended use,” read part of the statement.
Kindiki emphasized the need for assurances regarding public safety and the integrity of financial transactions involving such a large number of citizens.
The cryptocurrency project WorldCoin, owned by American Artificial Intelligence (AI), requires individuals to scan their irises to register and receive 25 free WLD tokens. Currently, these tokens are valued at Ksh. 7,786.
Also Read: Worldcoin: What is it and what does it mean for our privacy?
Despite some individuals admitting to not fully understanding cryptocurrency, a massive turnout of Kenyans, approximately 350,000, gathered at the Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC) to sign up for the project. This prompted the police to intervene and halt the registration exercise due to security concerns.
The police requested the WorldCoin team to cease the exercise and disperse the crowds, citing potential security risks. They advised the team to seek a larger venue, such as the Nyayo or Kasarani stadiums, to handle the overwhelming turnout.
Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait stated that the commission is currently conducting an assessment of WorldCoin’s practices to ensure compliance with the law.
The project, spearheaded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has faced significant criticism regarding privacy concerns. However, the company’s website claims that the project is “completely private” and provides options for users to delete their data or store it in encrypted form.
As the investigation continues, the Kenyan government remains steadfast in prioritizing public safety and data protection. Until relevant agencies provide the necessary assurances, the WorldCoin cryptocurrency project will remain suspended, and any involvement in its activities may lead to legal consequences.
