Amid a whirlwind of controversy surrounding its launch, the Worldcoin cryptocurrency project has hit another obstacle as Kenya probes it. This time, Kenya’s government has taken action, forming a 15-member parliamentary committee to thoroughly investigate the contentious asset.
Government Action, Operational Halt and Security Concerns
The Kenyan government has established a dedicated committee, led by Gabriel Tongoyo, the Member of Parliament for Narok West. Tasked with delving into the intricacies of the controversial crypto project, this parliamentary committee is set to undertake a comprehensive investigation.
The committee has a period of 42 days to meticulously examine the project and subsequently present its findings to the House committee. This is according a local daily.
This parliamentary inquiry unfolds in the aftermath of Kenya’s suspension of Worldcoin’s operations, a move triggered by the project’s failure to adhere to government directives to cease iris scanning of users.
Further, Kithure Kindiki, the Interior Cabinet Secretary instrumental in the suspension, expressed significant concerns regarding Worldcoin’s activities. These activities, involving the registration of citizens and collection of iris data, are perceived to pose substantial security risks.
Multifaceted Rejection
In addition to the parliamentary committee’s involvement, Worldcoin’s project has encountered resounding rejection from multiple regulatory entities within Kenya. The judicial system has also intervened, suspending Worldcoin’s activities following a lawsuit initiated by the data commissioner’s office.
This legal ruling mandates the preservation of data collected by Worldcoin between April of the prior year and August 2023, pending the lawsuit’s resolution.
Worldcoin’s Controversial Journey
Worldcoin, characterized by its focus on digital IDs and its proprietary WLD coin, faced both controversies and anticipation during its launch. The project’s public unveiling in numerous countries led to revelations of contentious tactics. However, it garnered almost 2 million users in its trial phase.
Subsequent investigations were launched by governments in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Germany, and Kenya. Reports emerged, shedding light on the project’s controversial strategies.
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