Worldcoin Restarts Kenyan Operations Amid Reject Bill 2024 Protests

Worldcoin, a cryptocurrency initiative by Tools for Humanity, has officially resumed operations in Kenya after the Kenyan police terminated their investigation into the project’s alleged illegal data collection practices. 

This development occurs amid widespread protests against corruption under the banner of Reject Bill 2024, positioning the project’s return as a significant event in Kenya’s tech and privacy landscape.

Police drop charges, paving the way for Worldcoin

In a notable turnaround, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya has decided to drop its probe into Worldcoin, which is linked to allegations of unauthorized data handling. The project, which aims to establish a global digital identity network, faced suspension last August due to concerns over privacy infringements. 

However, after a meticulous investigation, the DCI forwarded the case to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, which concurred with the DCI’s findings and recommended closing the case without further action. Worldcoin’s legal team had sought clarity on the investigation’s progress in a formal communication to the DCI, with the final correspondence confirming the cessation of police action dated June 14, 2024.

Regulatory compliance and future operations

The Kenyan authorities have advised Worldcoin to align closely with local business and data protection regulations. The DCI emphasized the importance of proper registration with the Registrar of Business Registry and obtaining necessary approvals from the Office of the Data Protection Commission (ODPC) and the Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK). Additionally, they recommended thorough vetting and legal contracting of all third-party vendors in the country.

Worldcoin, through its operations director Thomas Scott, expressed gratitude for the impartial investigation and the subsequent decision. Scott emphasized that this resolution is not the conclusion of their efforts but the beginning of a renewed commitment to work within Kenyan regulations and to expand Worldcoin’s services, such as the World ID registration, across the nation.

Ongoing scrutiny in other nations

While Worldcoin can celebrate its reinstatement in Kenya, it faces legal challenges elsewhere. Germany remains the only European country where Worldcoin’s “Orbs” are listed as available. 

The Bavarian data protection authority is scrutinizing the company, which has temporarily halted operations in Spain until the investigation is concluded. Additionally, Portugal’s data protection authority has initiated an inquiry into Worldcoin’s U.S. operations, imposing a business ban during the investigation period.

This series of international investigations underlines the ongoing global concern over privacy and data security in the burgeoning field of digital identity and cryptocurrency. As Worldcoin navigates these challenges, its experiences in Kenya provide a crucial precedent for the project and the regulatory landscape confronting similar technologies worldwide.

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