After halting Worldcoin operations in August 2023, Kenyan authorities have officially dropped their investigation into the company, potentially paving the way for its return.
Worldcoin, a cryptocurrency and digital identity project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has achieved a significant victory in Kenya. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) of the National Police Service announced that the investigation into Worldcoin has been closed.
In a statement dated June 14, 2024, the DCI responded to a request from Worldcoin’s lawyers regarding the status of the investigation, which was initiated in May 2024. The public prosecution unit agreed with the DCI’s findings and decided to close the case without further police action.
“The DCI thoroughly and impartially investigated various allegations concerning Worldcoin’s activities in Kenya during 2022 and 2023, including claims of unlawful collection and transfer of sensitive personal data,” the statement read.
Recommendations for Worldcoin’s Operations in Kenya
Following the conclusion of the investigation, Kenyan authorities recommended that Worldcoin ensure proper business registration in the country and obtain the necessary licenses in coordination with the Data Protection Commission and the Communication Authority of Kenya. Additionally, the DCI advised Worldcoin to conduct thorough vetting and legal contracting of all third-party vendors operating within Kenya.
Tools for Humanity Hopes to Relaunch Worldcoin in Kenya
Thomas Scott, Chief Legal Officer at Tools for Humanity, the developer behind Worldcoin, expressed gratitude for the DCI’s fair investigation and the decision to close the matter. He stated, “This positive outcome is not an end but a beginning. We will continue collaborating with the Kenyan government and others, and we hope to resume World ID registration across the country soon.”
Worldcoin was officially launched in July 2023 after three years of development. Its mission is to differentiate humans from artificial intelligence by scanning an individual’s iris, subsequently issuing a World ID to prove their humanity online. This unique digital ID offering has raised privacy and data protection concerns among global regulators.
Worldcoin’s Challenges and Global Privacy Concerns
Shortly after its launch, Worldcoin was banned in Kenya, with the local government halting all activities related to the platform, including biometric identification. Worldcoin has been working with the Kenyan government to resume operations in 2024.
Kenya is not the only country where Worldcoin has faced scrutiny. India, South Korea, Germany, and Brazil have also investigated the company’s data collection practices. In May 2024, Hong Kong ordered Worldcoin to cease operations due to privacy violations.
Despite these challenges, Worldcoin’s network has seen significant growth. As of April 2024, the World App had 10 million registered users, with an average of 2 million daily users and more than 5 million monthly active users.
Summary Review: The closure of the investigation by Kenyan authorities marks a significant milestone for Worldcoin, potentially allowing it to resume operations in the country. This development highlights the importance of regulatory compliance and collaboration with local authorities for global tech initiatives. While Worldcoin has faced numerous challenges, its growth indicates a strong demand for innovative digital identity solutions, underscoring the ongoing debate around privacy and data protection in the digital age.
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