Kenya Ends Investigation into Worldcoin Following Year-long Pause
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya has officially closed its investigation into Worldcoin, the controversial cryptocurrency project that was suspended in the country last year.
According to a letter signed by DCI director Hillary Mutai on June 14, the department conducted a comprehensive investigation into various allegations surrounding Worldcoin’s operations in Kenya, including claims of illegal gathering and transfer of sensitive personal data. The findings were then submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions for independent review and guidance.
“After reviewing the file, the Director of Public Prosecutions agreed and directed that the file be closed with no further police action,” the letter stated.
Worldcoin Given Permission to Resume Operations
Mutai also stated that Worldcoin is now permitted to resume its operations in Kenya, but with certain conditions. The project must register the business properly with the country’s Registrar of Business Registry. Additionally, it must work with the Data Protection Commission to obtain the necessary licenses. Lastly, Worldcoin must ensure that all its third-party vendors in the country are thoroughly vetted and have legal contracts.
“We appreciate the fair investigation conducted by the DCI, and we are grateful for the Director of Public Prosecutions’ decision to close the case,” said Thomas Scott, chief legal officer of Tools for Humanity, in a statement. “However, this positive outcome is just the beginning, not the end.”
Scott added that Worldcoin hopes to resume the registration of World IDs across the country in the near future.
Kenyan Participation in Worldcoin Soared Prior to Suspension
Kenyan authorities suspended Worldcoin’s operations in August 2023 due to concerns regarding its data collection practices. They specifically questioned the legality of obtaining the data and how it was being used.
At the time of the suspension, Worldcoin’s iris scanning program had already faced regulatory scrutiny in other jurisdictions before Kenya raised its concerns.
Worldcoin offers a unique digital ID system called World ID, which uses iris scans to verify that users are human and not AI bots. Participants in the program are rewarded with the project’s cryptocurrency, WLD.
Before the suspension, Kenyan citizens enthusiastically enrolled in Worldcoin’s program. The popularity of the Worldcoin ID verification service in Kenya was so high that queues stretched for three days.
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