Chiloba Raises 5 Issues With Worldcoin in Kenya

Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) Director General Ezra Chiloba on Wednesday, August 2 raised five concerns regarding the operations of Worldcoin in Kenya, especially its data collection exercise in exchange for giving Kenyans Ksh7,786.

In an investigation it handled alongside the Data Protection Commissioner, the CA DG warned Kenyans against providing their personal data at will, especially in circumstances whereby a financial token is provided in exchange for doing so.

"Since the launch of WorldCoin operations in Kenya, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) have undertaken a preliminary review and noted a number of legitimate regulatory concerns that require urgent attention," stated Chiloba in part.

Among the issues the CA and OPDC raised included the lack of clarity on the security and storage of the collected sensitive data (facial recognition and iris scans). The authority further argued that obtaining consumer (data subject) consent in exchange for monetary reward borders on inducement.

Also noted was the uncertainty regarding consumer protection on cryptocurrency and related ICT services as well as inadequate information on cybersecurity safeguards and standards.

CA also raised issues regarding massive citizen data in the hands of private actors without an appropriate framework.

"These issues require a comprehensive inquiry to enable regulators to advise stakeholders on appropriate measures to protect the public interest.

"Controversies around WorldCoin are not new. Similar concerns have been raised in other jurisdictions such as Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and India," added CA.

Nonetheless, CA assured that a multi-agency investigation was underway as a result of the issues arising from the preliminary observations.

"Consequently, and as directed by the Government, WorldCoin must cease its data collection activities in Kenya until further notice," added Chiloba, urging the public to take caution when providing personal data to private actors.

"In the meantime, anyone with relevant information or a complaint on WorldCoin should report through the following communication channels: [email protected] and [email protected]."

Chiloba's concerns came hours after Interior CS Kithure Kindiki announced the suspension of Worldcoin activities in Kenya to allow relevant government agencies to ascertain the risks, legality, and authenticity of Worldcoin's said activities.

The Ministry of Interior, which CS Kindiki spearheads, had particularly highlighted the safety of public data in relation to the collection of information through the registration of citizens through the collection of eyeball/iris data.

"The Government has suspended forthwith the activities of Worldcoin and any other entity that may be similarly engaging the people of Kenya until public agencies certify the absence of any risks to the general public whatsoever," CS Kindiki said.

The CS further noted that relevant security and financial services and data protection agencies have commenced investigations into Worldcoin activities.

Kindiki said they will also be seeking to get assurance of public safety and integrity of public safety and integrity of the financial transactions involving such a large number of citizens to be satisfactorily provided upfront after thousands of Kenyans queued outside shopping malls where the iris scans were taken.

"Appropriate action will be taken on any natural or juristic person who furthers, aids, abets or otherwise engages in or is connected with the activities afore-described," Kindiki said.

Prior to the suspension, over 350,000 Kenyans had their irises scanned while registering for Worldcoin in the country.