The Kenyan government has taken a significant step in addressing the concerns surrounding the American-based cryptocurrency firm, Worldcoin. In response to the collection of biometric data that does not comply with Kenya’s data privacy laws, the government has established a 17-member committee to investigate the operations of Worldcoin. This article will delve into the details of this committee and the implications it has for Worldcoin and its users.
The newly formed Joint Ad Hoc Committee, led by Gabriel Tongoyo, has been tasked with thoroughly examining the activities of Worldcoin and reporting its findings to the National Assembly within 42 days. The investigation was prompted by the collection of iris scans in exchange for a digital ID called global ID and free Worldcoin tokens. The Kenyan government perceived this practice as a security risk, leading to the initiation of the committee’s work.
The committee aims to gather insights from various key experts and witnesses to shed light on Worldcoin’s relationship with crypto trading in Kenya. Among those expected to appear before the committee are The Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, The National Intelligence Service (NIS), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Ministry of Health. Their testimonies will contribute to the legislators’ understanding of how Worldcoin operates in Kenya and the potential health hazards associated with the collection of iris scans.
In addition to examining Worldcoin’s activities, the committee also seeks to scrutinize the legal framework surrounding the company’s operations in Kenya. The office of the Attorney General, the Registrar of Companies, and the Data Commissioner have been called upon to answer questions regarding the due diligence carried out during Worldcoin’s registration process. This scrutiny is essential in ensuring compliance and evaluating any potential shortcomings in the registration process.
The committee’s task is time-sensitive, as local media reports suggest that more than 350,000 Kenyans have signed up for Worldcoin, enticed by the promise of free WLD tokens valued at 7,000 Kenyan shillings. The suspension of Worldcoin’s operations has generated significant public interest, making it imperative for the committee to provide comprehensive and timely answers to the legislators’ inquiries.
Worldcoin’s collection of biometric data in exchange for its tokens has raised red flags in terms of regulatory compliance in Kenya. The disclosure of personal information, including iris scans, should only occur under critical circumstances according to data privacy laws. Immaculate Kassait, the Data Commissioner for Kenya, has stated that Worldcoin was not transparent about its objectives during the registration process, further eroding trust in the company.
The Kenyan Capital Markets Authority has also expressed concerns over Worldcoin’s activities being conducted without regulatory oversight. This lack of supervision has contributed to the skepticism among citizens, who are hesitant to share their personal data with the company. As a result, the Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, ordered the suspension of Worldcoin’s operations due to security concerns.
Worldcoin has expressed its willingness to cooperate with the authorities, indicating a commitment to resolving the concerns raised by the Kenyan government. Following the implementation of crowd-control measures, the company plans to restart its operations. Recent reports confirm that a raid on Worldcoin’s facility in Nairobi resulted in the seizure of documents and equipment by the Kenyan police to aid in ongoing investigations.
The Kenyan government’s decision to establish a committee dedicated to investigating Worldcoin’s activities demonstrates its commitment to upholding data privacy laws and ensuring the security of its citizens. By engaging key experts and witnesses, the committee aims to shed light on Worldcoin’s operations, legal compliance, and potential health risks associated with the collection of biometric data. The findings of this investigation will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Worldcoin’s presence in Kenya and serve as a precedent for regulating similar cryptocurrency firms in the country.
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