Govt Urges Kenyans To Be Careful On Worldcoin
The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) revealed that it is calling for increased vigilance from members of the public
Marvin Chege 
The government on Friday, July 28 issued a statement following the launch of Worldcoin, a protocol that is intended to be the world’s largest, most inclusive identity and financial public utility and to be owned by everyone, in Kenya.
The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) revealed that it is calling for increased vigilance from members of the public as it continues to engage with Worldcoin to ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2019.
"The ODPC is aware that WorldCoin has now been launched and is processing sensitive personal data in a manner that requires a demonstration of proper safeguards under the Data Protection Act, 2019.
"The Data Protection Act gives the Office functions and powers to conduct assessments and request information to ascertain whether personal data is processed in accordance with the Act," the statement read in part.
A Kenyan signs up for Worldcoin during a past activation. /WORLDCOIN
ODPC added that it was carrying out its assessment of WorldCoin's practices to ensure compliance with the law and urged Kenyans to ensure they receive proper information before disclosing any personal or sensitive data, further advising individuals to thoroughly inquire about how their data will be used.
Commenting on the issue, Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait, MBS, reaffirmed the Office's commitment to promoting data privacy and security in Kenya.
"It is the responsibility of data controllers to ensure that personal data is processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act. Failure to do so not only puts individuals' privacy at risk but also exposes an organization to legal and reputational consequences," she remarked.
The ODPC is committed to ensuring that entities processing personal data in Kenya comply with the Data Protection Act, of 2019.
The office assured that it will continue to engage with organizations to promote compliance with the law and protect the privacy of Kenyans.
Worldcoin which was launched earlier this week is a cryptocurrency token project that was co-founded by Sam Altman, co-founder of OpenAI and Alex Blania.
The startup, which has so far raised close to about $250 million (Ksh35.5 billion) main offering is World ID, an AI-resistant protocol that allows the verification of the identity of humans online through an iris scan.
The company describes this service as a “digital passport” that helps prove its holder is a real human, not an AI bot using its physical imaging device called the ‘Orb. It plans to scale Orb sign-ups for World ID as well as the token to more than 35 cities across 20 countries globally including Kenya where it has been running trials.
Its launch made Worldcoin trend on social media and prompted Kenyans to form long queues to sign up for the project.
How it Works
Users will have to download the World App, the company’s World ID-compatible app, developed and operated by TFH. The app enables payment, purchases and transfers globally using digital assets and fiat-backed stablecoins.
Once downloaded, they can visit an Orb, the startup’s eyeball-scanning verification device, to receive their World ID. In Kenya, the orbs are located in different malls across the country.
The organization is teaming with local organizations to provide access to the global digital economy and to offer educational resources to Kenyans about blockchain technology and emerging web3 technologies.
One of the key features of Worldcoin’s entry into Kenya is the launch of a peer-to-peer (P2P) exchange that allows individuals to quickly and easily access digital currencies and US dollars directly with one another, without the need for a centralized third party to facilitate the transactions.
A Worldcoin desk during a past activation. /FILE
This P2P exchange is developed by Tools for Humanity (TFH), a technology company that supports the Worldcoin protocol.
Since its pilot phase, Worldcoin has garnered over 360,000 sign-ups and the World App has been downloaded over 1,200 times per day. With 16 locations across Nairobi, the product provides Kenyans with access to the USD and cryptocurrencies, which were previously limited and expensive to acquire.
The P2P agents are also Worldcoin Operators, providing an added layer of transparency and trust.
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