Worldcoin, a cryptocurrency project by Tools for Humanity, is likely to make a comeback in Kenya. This follows a recent investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) into various claims against the firm, which has now been closed with no further police action.
In a letter dated June 14, 2024, the DCI informed Worldcoin that the investigation into alleged unlawful collection and transfer of personal sensitive data had been reviewed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, who concurred with the DCI’s findings and directed the file to be closed.
The DCI also provided guidance to Worldcoin, advising them to ensure proper business registration, licensing, and coordination with the relevant authorities, including the Registrar of Business Registry, the Office of the Data Protection Commission (ODPC), and the Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK). Additionally, the police recommended that Worldcoin implement intensive vetting and legal contracting of all third-party vendors within the country.
Worldcoin’s operations in Kenya were suspended in August 2023 due to alleged lack of proper paperwork. However, the company’s operations director, Thomas Scott, expressed gratitude for the DCI’s fair investigation and the Director of Public Prosecutions’ decision to close the matter.
“We are grateful for the DCI’s fair investigation and for the Director of Public Prosecutions’ determination to close the matter. This welcome result is, however, not an end but a beginning,” said Scott.
He further stated that Worldcoin will continue working with the Government of Kenya and others, with the hope of resuming World ID registration across the country soon.
The Worldcoin project, which aims to create a decentralized global currency, was launched globally on June 24, 2023. However, the project faced privacy concerns and questions about the security of the biodata it was collecting from Kenyans. The recent developments suggest that Worldcoin may have the opportunity to address these issues and expand its operations in Kenya.
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