Kenya Expels Worldcoin after Experiencing Significant Setback

Kenyan Government Suspends Worldcoin’s Operations, Leaving Future of Project Uncertain

Worldcoin, the crypto project co-founded by OpenAI’s Sam Altman, is facing a significant setback as the Kenyan government suspends its operations. This decision, announced today, has raised concerns and left the future of the project uncertain.

Worldcoin has gained popularity in Kenya for its unique utilization of iris scan technology for identity authentication and cryptocurrency distribution. Hundreds of thousands of customers have already enrolled in the project. However, the suspension imposed by the Kenyan government has left many questions unanswered.

The Ministry of the Interior in Kenya cited concerns about Worldcoin’s collection of eyeball and iris data from citizens as the reason for the suspension. Until public agencies can determine that there are no risks to the general populace, all activities associated with Worldcoin have been halted.

This sudden halt in operations is expected to impact the company’s efforts to expand its reach globally. Worldcoin has not only made a name for itself as a standard cryptocurrency but also with its innovative iris-scanning technology.

The iris scans are part of a broader identity verification process, and customers who undergo the scans are eligible to claim a portion of Worldcoin’s recently launched WLD token. This unique approach attracted many Kenyans, resulting in long queues at shopping centers for the iris scans.

The suspension comes at a time when the Worldcoin project was experiencing substantial popularity in Kenya. Other crypto companies, like Nuzo, took advantage of Worldcoin’s fame by offering conversion services for the tokens. Furthermore, the World App, a cryptocurrency wallet specifically designed for Worldcoin, rapidly climbed to the top of the Kenyan Play Store’s download charts.

Although Worldcoin had legal permission to collect private data under its parent company, Tools for Humanity GmbH, the unexpected suspension raises questions about compliance with the Data Protection Act 2021.

The act imposes strict requirements on data collection, including processing restrictions, quality assurance, and robust security measures. Additionally, the law mandates that personal data be stored within Kenya and sets specific conditions for cross-border processing.

The suspension of Worldcoin’s operations in Kenya leaves the project in a state of uncertainty. The company’s future hinges on addressing the concerns raised by the Kenyan government and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations. Only time will tell if Worldcoin can overcome this hurdle and resume its operations in Kenya and beyond.