The controversial Worldcoin project, co-founded by Sam Altman, has seen a positive development in Kenya. Kenyan authorities have stopped their investigation into the project and are now asking Worldcoin to register legally in the country.
Investigation Closed
On June 20, Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced the closure of their investigation into Worldcoin. The DCI claims they thoroughly reviewed allegations about Worldcoin’s user data collection practices. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) agreed with the DCI’s findings and ordered the investigation closed. This means no further action will be taken against Worldcoin by Kenyan police.
Worldcoin’s Mission
Worldcoin aims to create a universal digital identity system called “World IDs” using blockchain technology. This unique ID would allow people to interact online without needing to share personal information with websites or bots.
Concerns About Privacy
One of Worldcoin’s methods for collecting user data involved eye scans taken with a device called the Orb. This raised privacy concerns in Kenya and other countries, including India, South Korea, Germany, and Brazil.
Kenya Asks for Legal Registration
Despite ending the investigation, Kenya is not giving Worldcoin a free pass. Kenyan authorities require Worldcoin to register legally in the country. This process involves registering with the business registry and obtaining licenses from two government agencies: the Office of the Data Protection Commission (ODPC) and the Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK).
Worldcoin Welcomes the Decision
The foundation behind Worldcoin, Tools for Humanity, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. They see this as an opportunity to collaborate with the Kenyan government and resume user registration in the future.
Uncertain Impact on Other Investigations
While Kenya has ended its investigation, it remains unclear how this will affect ongoing investigations in other countries.