Grace Ashiru
Worldcoin, the contentious cryptocurrency and digital identity project that faced a shutdown in Kenya shortly after its launch last year, seems set for a return to the country, potentially reigniting privacy debates. Kenyan authorities have ceased their investigation into the project’s data collection practices, allowing user registration to resume.
Worldcoin’s journey in Kenya has been rocky. Introduced in August 2023, the project aimed to establish a universal digital identity and financial network by collecting iris scans. Founded by US tech entrepreneur Sam Altman, known for leading OpenAI, which owns the well-known ChatGPT generative AI model, Worldcoin entices participants with free crypto tokens in exchange for their eyeball scans.
Curious stares abound as the dropping of the probe comes just three months after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki informed the National Assembly’s Committee on Public Petitions that Kenya was under pressure from the US government to lift the suspension of Worldcoin’s activities. At that time, he vowed not to relent, as reported by Business Daily.
In March, he told the Committee, “The United States has been pushing the government on the issues of Worldcoin, but we have remained adamant and firm. They (the US) think that they (Worldcoin) still have a case to set up their activities here. We have remained steadfast that the decision we took will remain. We are not going to review the suspension.”
Kenyan President William Ruto visited Washington in May for a three-day state visit, which included bilateral talks with President Joe Biden and the agreement of multiple deals
Kenya’s change of stance on Worldcoin comes despite ongoing concerns from privacy advocates. Critics argue that iris scans are a form of biometric data that, if compromised, could have serious repercussions. Worldcoin, however, asserts that it does not store user data. While user enrollment is set to resume in Kenya, the project’s long-term success depends on public trust.
“The outcome of the investigation doesn’t eliminate the initial privacy concerns,” stated a Nairobi-based tech analyst who wished to remain anonymous. “Worldcoin will need to be transparent about its data security measures to earn user confidence.”
With a user base exceeding 5.7 million worldwide, Worldcoin continues to be a major entity. How it manages the delicate balance of privacy concerns in Kenya and other regions will be an interesting narrative to follow.
