The Worldcoin cryptocurrency project is facing another setback in Kenya, as the government has formed a 15-member parliamentary committee to investigate the controversial asset. The committee, headed by Narok West Member of Parliament Gabriel Tongoyo, has been given 42 days to investigate the project and submit its report to the House committee.
The Kenyan government’s decision to launch a parliamentary investigation into Worldcoin comes on the heels of the suspension of the project’s operations in the country. The government had ordered Worldcoin to stop scanning users’ iris, citing concerns about the collection of citizen data and potential security risks. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, who played a key role in suspending Worldcoin operations, expressed concerns about the project’s activities and the collection of iris data.
In addition to the parliamentary investigation, Worldcoin has faced rejection from various regulatory bodies in Kenya. The court has also suspended the project’s activities following a case filed by the office of the data commissioner. The court has ordered the preservation of data collected by Worldcoin between April last year and August 2023 pending the completion of the lawsuit.
Worldcoin is a digital ID-focused crypto project that offers its native cryptocurrency, WLD coin, in exchange for scanning users’ iris. The project garnered nearly 2 million users during its trial phase but has faced controversies and scrutiny as it launched publicly in several countries. Governments in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Germany, and Kenya have launched investigations into the project due to its controversial tactics.
The Worldcoin project’s use of iris scanning technology has sparked concerns about data privacy and the future of artificial intelligence. Critics argue that the project’s collection of biometric data poses serious security and privacy risks. These concerns have prompted governments and regulatory bodies to question the legality and ethical implications of Worldcoin’s operations.
The expansion and scrutiny of Worldcoin’s activities highlight the challenges and complexities of integrating cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology into existing regulatory frameworks. As the adoption of digital currencies increases, governments and regulatory bodies are grappling with how to effectively regulate and oversee these projects to ensure the protection of consumer rights and data privacy.
In response to the investigations and controversies, Worldcoin has faced significant backlash from both the public and the cryptocurrency community. The project’s future remains uncertain as it navigates the legal challenges and regulatory scrutiny in multiple countries.
Despite the challenges, the Worldcoin project has sparked a debate about the moral responsibility of blockchain technology in improving trustworthiness in AI. As blockchain technology enables decentralized and transparent data management, there is potential for it to enhance the trustworthiness and accountability of AI systems. However, the controversy surrounding Worldcoin highlights the need for careful consideration of the ethical implications and privacy concerns associated with the use of biometric data in these technologies.
In conclusion, the Worldcoin cryptocurrency project is facing a parliamentary investigation in Kenya, following the suspension of its operations. The project’s use of iris scanning technology and the collection of biometric data have raised concerns about data privacy and security risks. Governments and regulatory bodies have launched investigations into the project, highlighting the challenges of regu