Worldcoin Resumes Operation in Kenya

Worldcoin, a cryptocurrency initiative spearheaded by the American artificial intelligence company OpenAI, is on the brink of resuming its operations in Kenya following discussions with the government. The project faced suspension on August 2 due to concerns related to data security.

Recent reports suggest that the government has granted approval for Worldcoin to recommence its activities in the country, albeit under new guidelines.

An unnamed source within government circles revealed that operations are expected to resume early in 2024, signaling a positive turn of events for the American-based firm.

Worldcoin has been actively engaging with regulators to align with Kenya’s requirements, particularly as the National Assembly considers implementing new regulations.

The media outlet quotes the undisclosed source, emphasizing that stipends will persist and extend to various locations across Kenya. This development underscores Worldcoin’s commitment to cooperation with local authorities and adherence to regulatory frameworks.

During a hearing before the National Assembly Ad Hoc Committee of Inquiry, Worldcoin CEO Alex Blania defended the project’s activities in Kenya.

Blania asserted that the primary focus of Worldcoin is on verifying individuals’ humanity and uniquely categorizing them. Addressing concerns about data privacy, he clarified that the company is not involved in data mining or the subsequent sale of data.

Blania acknowledged that Worldcoin is not registered in Kenya, citing unclear guidelines on data-controlling companies on the country’s data protection website.

Despite this, he emphasized the company’s dedication to privacy protection. The committee, convened on September 6, heard Blania affirming Worldcoin’s commitment to complying with Kenyan regulations as they work closely with regulators.

Responding to allegations that Worldcoin coerced Kenyans into undergoing iris scans by offering a payment of Sh7,500, Blania refuted such claims.

He characterized the amount as an incentive or token, drawing parallels with practices employed by other companies like PayPal. Blania clarified that the incentive offered was 25 free cryptocurrency tokens per person whose iris was scanned, disputing the reported figure of 70.

In light of these statements and ongoing discussions with Kenyan authorities, Worldcoin appears poised to navigate regulatory challenges and resume its operations in the country.

The emphasis on privacy protection and cooperation with regulators underscores the company’s commitment to responsible and transparent engagement in the cryptocurrency space.