Worldcoin, a controversial cryptocurrency project based on the collection of biometric data, is under parliamentary investigation in Kenya. The Kenyan government has formed a committee of 15 memberschaired by the deputy Gabriel Tongoyo, to examine the activities and objectives of Worldcoin in the country.

Parliamentary inquiry into Worldcoin in Kenya

Worldcoin is a cryptocurrency that is presented as a means of distributing wealth to all the inhabitants of the planet, in exchange a scan of your iris. The project, supported by personalities such as The co-founder of Reddit, Alexis Ohanian, or the former director of the MIT Media Lab, Joi Ito.he claims to have almost recorded 2 million people in fifteen countries.

However, the project also arouses much criticism and concern, particularly about the ethical, legal and safety plan. Several countries, such as Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Germany and Kenya, have started investigations or legal proceedings against Worldcoinfor their practices considered intrusive, illegal or dangerous.

Creation of a commission to examine the activities and objectives of Worldcoin

in kenya, the government suspended Worldcoin operations in August 2023, after the project failed to comply by order of the authorities to stop scanning the iris citizens. Home Cabinet Secretary Kindiki Kithure said the government was concerned about Worldcoin activities implying citizen registration and biometric data collectionwhich could pose a serious risk to National security.

Raid on Worldcoin warehouse by Kenyan police

On August 7, 2023, the Kenyan police carried out a search in the Worldcoin store located in Nairobi where used machinery was stored scan the iris citizens. Agents seized documents and equipment belonging to the company, which they took to the headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Directorate to analyze. The search follows the suspension of Worldcoin operations in Kenya, decided by the government in early August, due to privacy concerns.

Criticism and concerns around Worldcoin

On August 21, 2023, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetangula, announced the formation of a parliamentary commission ad hoc to investigate the Worldcoin project. The commission, made up of 15 members of the departmental committees for administration and internal security, communication and innovation, and tourism and wildlife, You have 42 days to complete your mission and submit your report. to the House committee.

Study of project modalities in the country

In particular, the commission will need to question the two cabinet secretaries involved in the case, Kindiki Kithure and Eliud Owalo (ICT), as well as Worldcoin representatives, to understand the modalities and objectives of the project in the country. The committee should also consider legal and regulatory aspects related to cryptocurrencies and personal data protection.

Therefore, the parliamentary committee will have to shed light on the Worldcoin project and its implications for Kenya. This is a case that raises important questions about the use of digital technologies and cryptocurrencies in the African context.

Fountain : corner telegraph, the star.ke