Kenyan authorities have ceased their investigation into Worldcoin, a cryptocurrency and digital identity project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. This decision potentially clears the path for Worldcoin’s return to the country.
Worldcoin Investigation Closed
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) of the National Police Service issued a statement on June 14, 2024, announcing the termination of the probe into Worldcoin. The investigation, initially suspended in August 2023, scrutinized allegations of unlawful collection and transfer of personal data by Worldcoin in 2022 and 2023.
In the statement, the DCI confirmed that Kenya’s public prosecution unit agreed with the decision to close the case. The DCI recommended that Worldcoin ensure business registration and proper licensing in Kenya, with oversight by the Data Protection Commission and the Communication Authority of Kenya. Additionally, Worldcoin was advised to conduct thorough vetting and legal contracting of all third-party vendors in the country.
Worldcoin, developed by Tools for Humanity and co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, faced scrutiny for allegedly illegal data collection practices. In a letter dated June 14, 2024, the DCI informed Coulson Harney, Worldcoin’s legal representatives, that the investigation was closed following a directive from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
“The DCI expeditiously and objectively investigated an array of allegations into the activities of Worldcoin in Kenya in 2022/3 and touching on alleged unlawful collection and transfer of personal sensitive data,”
The DCI stated
Tools for Humanity’s Response
Thomas Scott, chief legal officer at Worldcoin developer Tools for Humanity, expressed gratitude for the fair investigation and the Director of Public Prosecutions’ decision. “This welcome result is, however, not an end but a beginning,” Scott stated. He indicated that Tools for Humanity hopes to resume World ID registration across Kenya soon.
Worldcoin, launched in July 2023 after three years of development, aims to differentiate humans from artificial intelligence by scanning an individual’s iris to issue a World ID, confirming their human identity online.
Worldcoin’s Troubled Global Expansion
Worldcoin, launched in July 2023 after three years of development, aims to differentiate humans from artificial intelligence by scanning individuals’ irises to issue a World ID. This unique digital ID system raised significant privacy and data protection concerns worldwide. Shortly after its launch, Worldcoin was banned in Kenya, halting all local activities, including biometric identification.
Other countries, including India, South Korea, Germany, and Brazil, have also scrutinized Worldcoin’s data collection practices. In May 2024, Hong Kong ordered the company to cease operations over privacy violations.
Despite facing regulatory challenges, Worldcoin’s network has grown significantly. By April 2024, the World App had 10 million total registered users, with an average of 2 million daily users and over 5 million monthly active users.
Kenya’s decision to drop the investigation may mark a turning point for Worldcoin, potentially allowing the project to resume operations in the country. However, the firm must address regulatory concerns and ensure compliance with local laws to avoid future issues.
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