Kindiki Suspends Worldcoin After 350K Kenyans Have Eyeballs Scanned

The Ministry of Interior, which CS Kindiki spearheads, had particularly highlighted the safety of public data in relation to the collection of information

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Aug 2, 2023 - 11:34
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Kindiki Suspends Worldcoin After 350K Kenyans Have Eyeballs Scanned
Collage image of Interior CS Kithure Kindiki and Kenyans queueing outside KICC to register for Worldcoin (inset). /VIRALTEAKE

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday, August 2 announced the suspension of Worldcoin activities in Kenya.

In a statement, the CS revealed that the government resolves to suspend operations of the controversial cryptocurrency tech firm 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.

A Kenyan signs up for Worldcoin during a past activation. /WORLDCOIN

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

"Relevant security, financial services and data protection agencies have commenced inquiries and investigations to establish the authenticity and legality of the aforesaid activities, the safety and protection of the data being harvested, and how the harvesters intend to use the data," read part of the statement.

Kidniki 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.

This is 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.

The mass registration exercise was on Tuesday, August 1 suspended by police at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) owing to security concerns after Kenyans queued to undergo the eye-scanning registration process through the company's 'Orb' in exchange for 25 WLD tokens (about Ksh7,786).

Owing to the challenges faced as a result of the high cost of living, many Kenyans showed up as early as 6.00 am at KICC with the prospect of receiving the Ksh8,000 token.

To be specific, security officials were overwhelmed by the high number of Kenyans crowding at Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), thus prompting the termination of the exercise.

KICC is strategically located within the precincts of several government buildings, including Parliament, most of which require individuals to obtain clearance before accessing the premises, thus the influx of crowds at KICC was viewed to be a security risk.

The Worldcoin team had revealed that they received instructions from the police to look for alternative venues that would not pose a security risk to the existing government buildings and institutions.

In response, the team was considering relocating the registration exercise to Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums which have the capacity to accommodate large crowds without the need to endanger critical government installations.

After the interruption of the registration exercise at KICC by the police, Worldcoin's website indicated a decrease in activity within the country. 

Prior to the incident, on Friday, July 28, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) revealed that it was calling for increased vigilance from members of the public as it continued to engage with Worldcoin to ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2019.

A Kenyan participating in a Worldcoin registration exercise at KICC on August 1, 2023. /FACEBOOK.ANYAMAH WA ANYAMAH

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