Worldcoin Faces Setback in Kenya as Government Halts Local Activity
(Originally posted on : Crypto News – iGaming.org )
Worldcoin, a brand-new cryptocurrency and digital identity initiative, has had a difficult time getting off the ground in Kenya as a result of the country’s efforts to halt all local activities related to it. Concerns have been raised about the gathering of essential identity data, such as iris scans, in return for a digital ID, which led to the Kenyan government’s decision.
Government Intervention
On August 2, Kithure Kindiki, Kenya’s minister of internal security, said through Facebook that the nation has banned Worldcoin’s operations pending confirmation from the appropriate government authorities that there were no hazards to Kenyan people. The appropriate security, financial services, and data protection agencies have started inquiries and investigations to ascertain the legitimacy and legality of the project’s actions.
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Concerns Over Iris Scans for Digital ID
The key area of concern for the authorities is the collecting of private identity data by Worldcoin during the issuance of digital IDs, including iris scans. Concerns over the concept of swapping iris scans for a digital ID have forced the government to take precautions to protect the security and privacy of its residents.
Minister Kindiki highlighted that any person or organization discovered to be involved in Worldcoin-related activities that could violate the law or jeopardize the security of Kenyan residents would face severe punishment. The government is dedicated to defending the interests of its people and shielding them from any threats that may be brought on by the project.
Worldcoin’s Mission and Founder
On July 24, 2023, Worldcoin was formally introduced after three years of development. The project’s goal is to find solutions to the problems brought on by the expanding usage of AI technology and the difficulties in telling online bots apart from real people. Worldcoin, which was co-founded by Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, the company that developed the well-known AI chatbot ChatGPT, aspires to develop a digital ID system based on proof-of-personhood.
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Proof-of-Personhood and World IDs
Worldcoin’s novel strategy depends on a digital ID system created using iris scans to distinguish between people and AI. Individuals receive a World ID as a result of this distinctive identifying procedure, enabling the online community to identify them as legitimate users.
Kenya is a big setback for Worldcoin’s optimistic goal of a proof-of-personhood-based digital ID system. The government’s decision to halt local efforts demonstrates the need of carefully weighing and evaluating the dangers involved with such undertakings. Finding a balance between technology improvements and preserving citizen privacy and security will continue to be a significant concern as the landscape of digital identification changes.