The Suspension of Worldcoin Activities
The Kenyan government has recently ordered a halt to all activities related to Worldcoin, a newly launched cryptocurrency project, and the distribution of its native token, WLD. The decision, announced by Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretary for the Interior and National Administration, stems from concerns over the collection of iris data during the registration process. The government has demanded a pause in these activities until further notice.
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 whatsoever. Appropriate action will be taken on any natural or juristic person who furthers, aids, abets or otherwise engages in or is connected with the activities afore described.
Kithure Kindiki
Financial services and data protection agencies have initiated investigations into the legality and authenticity of Worldcoin’s registration activities. The primary concern is the safety and protection of the collected data and its intended use, as a growing number of Kenyan citizens are registering and having their irises scanned in exchange for free WLD tokens.
The Concerns Surrounding Worldcoin
Worldcoin, a project led by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, was launched in July after approximately three years of development. The project’s goal is to allow users to prove their humanity online and receive WLD tokens in return. To do this, users must scan their irises using a biometric verification device known as an Orb, which creates a unique identifier from human eyeballs.
Despite Worldcoin’s claim that the project preserves privacy and that it does not store any data locally but deletes them after verification, the Orb has sparked significant privacy concerns. With over 200 Orbs currently in circulation and plans to release 1,500 more by the end of the year, these concerns are likely to grow.
A Personal Take on the Matter
From my point of view, the Kenyan government’s decision to suspend Worldcoin activities is a prudent move. In an era where data privacy is a significant concern, the collection of iris data for a cryptocurrency project raises valid questions about the safety and protection of personal information.
However, it’s also important to consider the potential benefits of such a project. Worldcoin’s aim to provide a proof-of-personhood concept could revolutionize online identity verification, making it more secure and reliable. This could have far-reaching implications for various sectors, including finance and e-commerce.
Nonetheless, the potential risks cannot be ignored. As I see it, the government’s decision to halt Worldcoin activities until the safety of the collected data can be assured is a necessary step to protect its citizens. It’s a reminder that while technological advancements can bring about positive change, they must be implemented responsibly, with the public’s safety and privacy in mind.
