The Ministry of Interior has put a stop to WorldCoin’s activities along with any other entities that may be engaging in similar practices.
In a statement dated August 2, 2023, the Ministry highlighted the importance of ensuring public data safety when it comes to collecting information through the registration of citizens using iris scans. In the past week, thousands of Kenyans had queued at shopping malls where the scans were being taken, prompting Interior CS Kithure Kindiki to assure the country that public safety and the integrity of financial transactions involving a large number of Kenyans were protected. According to Kindiki, until the government deems WorldCoin safe, any person or entity involved in or connected to the company’s activities will face appropriate action, according to Kindiki.
Yesterday, police officers acting on a directive issued by the Ministry were deployed to disperse hundreds of individuals queuing at KICC. Shortly before the directive was tabled, ICT CS Eliud Owalo had clarified that the international company had not broken any laws and had not been expelled by the government. Mr Owalo conveyed that the government is closely observing the operations of WorldCoin in order to better understand its data protection standards.
It has been suggested that WorldCoin has exploited certain loopholes in Kenya’s data protection laws in order to launch its operations in the country. Over the past week, many Kenyans have been queuing up to enrol in the initiative, which rewards users with a tempting 25 free tokens (known as WLD) once they have verified their identity by scanning their iris. These tokens can be converted into cryptocurrencies and subsequently exchanged for liquid money. At present, 25 tokens are worth Sh7,786.
