Kenyan Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki has announced the suspension of Worldcoin activities in the country, citing concerns over the collection of data by the cryptocurrency company. The decision has been made to safeguard the privacy and security of Kenyan citizens.
A Probe on the Safety and Protection of the Data Being Harvested
Kithure Kindiki cited that the suspension will remain in effect until relevant security financial services and data protection agencies establish the authenticity and legality of their activities.
“Accordingly, the government has suspended forthwith activities of ‘WORLD COIN’ 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 whatsover.”
Kithure Kindiki – Interior Cabinet Secretary
As a result, the CS has ordered a probe on the safety and protection of the data being harvested and how the cryptocurrency firm intends to use the data.
The probe comes amid skeptics that Worldcoin might be accessing sensitive information without obtaining proper user consent, raising serious privacy issues.
Kindiki added that anybody found further aiding or engaging in the activities will be dealt with as prescribed by law.
One registers with the company by having their irises scanned, receiving 25 free WLDs, currently valued at over 7,000 Kenyan Shillings.
Thousands of Kenyans have this week flocked to Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC) to sign up for the project, despite some admittedly not knowing what cryptocurrency is all about. The move to the country’s capital comes after several malls refused entry to the operators, citing security issues.
In the meantime, Kenyan authorities have urged citizens who have eganged with Worldcoin to remain cautious and vigilant about their personal information.
