Detectives pursuing Worldcoin data collection organisers after suspension of the operation
3 min read
Detectives looking for the organizers of the Worldcoin data collection exercise in Nairobi after the office of the Data Commissioner warned over the exercise
Detectives looking for the organizers of the Worldcoin data collection exercise in Nairobi after the office of the Data Commissioner warned over the exercise.
According to reports, detectives went to City Hall on Wednesday to seek information on who booked spaces at KICC grounds and Quickmart outlets to enable the organisers to collect the data.
Detectives from the Nairobi Area and DCI headquarters are interested in understanding the motive behind the exercise.
They have joined forces with the Data Protection Commissioner’s team for the investigation and anticipate obtaining statements from the exercise’s organizers.
“We want to know why they are doing this and who allowed them,” said an official at the Data Protection office.
The revelation comes after the Ministry of Interior suspended the operations of controversial tech firm World Coin and any other entity that may be similarly engaging the members of the public.
In a statement issued on August 2, 2023, the Ministry 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.
“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.
Further, 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 until the government deems WorldCoin is safe.
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The directive comes minutes after ICT Eliud Owalo had stated that the government was yet to kick out the international company as it had not broken any laws.
During an interview on NTV, Owalo confirmed that the government was keenly observing the operations of WorldCoin to understand its operations and data protection measures.
Thousands of Kenyans have been turning up for a chance to earn Worldcoin Cryptocurrency and in return, they willingly have their eye biometrics scanned.
The tokens are currently valued at Ksh.7,786.
The uptake has so far seen about 350,000 Kenyans sign up.
Worldcoin, owned by American Artificial Intelligence (AI) is registered by having an individual scan their iris and they receive 25 free WLD.
Currently, it is readily available in cities like Nairobi, Hong Kong, Lisbon, Mexico City, New York, Sao Paulo, Seoul, Singapore, and Paris.
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