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Nairobi, Kenya – Tools for Humanity, the developer behind Worldcoin, is expected to resume its operations in Kenya following an order from Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga to close the company’s case.
In a letter from Thomas Scott, Worldcoin’s Chief Legal Officer, the company expressed gratitude for the DPP’s decision to end the case, which was initiated after the firm was accused of legal violations. “We will continue working with the government of Kenya and others, and we hope to resume World ID registration across the country soon,” Scott stated.
Last year, Worldcoin was operational in Kenya until the government intervened, halting its activities and launching an investigation. After months of scrutiny, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has recommended that the company consider business registration services in coordination with the Registrar of Business Registry if it wishes to continue operating in the country. This recommendation was detailed in a letter dated June 14.
Moreover, the DCI advised that Worldcoin officials ensure appropriate licensing and coordination with the Kenyan Communication Authority and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC). This was emphasized in a letter signed by Hillary Mutai. The DCI also highlighted the need for thorough vetting of all third-party providers involved in the company’s operations in Kenya to ensure they are legally contracted.
Worldcoin had previously attracted significant attention by offering Kenyans up to Ksh7,000 in exchange for scanning their eyeballs with a device known as an orb. This led to long queues in various locations across Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), as people eagerly participated in the program. However, concerns were raised regarding the security of the personal data collected from participants.
Following the shutdown of its operations, investigations were initiated to determine if the foreign company had complied with Kenyan legal standards. In response to these concerns, Alex Blania, CEO and co-founder of Worldcoin, traveled to Kenya to address questions posed by the National Assembly Ad Hoc Committee.
What is Worldcoin?
Worldcoin is a digital identity and cryptocurrency project developed by Tools for Humanity. The project aims to create a global digital identity system using biometric data. Users are invited to scan their irises with a special device, the orb, in exchange for Worldcoin tokens. The initiative promises financial incentives to encourage participation and aims to promote a more inclusive digital economy. However, it has faced scrutiny and regulatory challenges regarding data privacy and security.
