Kenya Suspends Worldcoin Crypto Projects With Risk Potential Reasons For Public Safety

Kenya's Ministry of Home Affairs has suspended the Worldcoin project. (photo: twitter @worldcoin)

JAKARTA - Kenya's Ministry of Home Affairs announced on Wednesday 2 August that it had suspended local activities of the Worldcoin cryptocurrency project while government agencies assessed potential risks to public safety.

The project founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman launched last week. The project requires users to scan eye slices in exchange for digital IDs, and in some countries, users also get free cryptocurrencies as part of a plan to create new "identities and financial networks".

"Minister of Home Affairs Kithure Kindiki said in a statement that relevant security agencies, financial services and data protection have started an investigation to ensure the authenticity and legality of the activities mentioned above."

Worldcoin did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Kindiki said the government was concerned about Worldcoin's activities, and the agencies would investigate how the project intends to use the data it collects. He said action would be taken against anyone involved with their activities, without providing further explanation.

Local media reported that more than 350.000 Kenyans had signed up for Worldcoin as of Tuesday, August 1 in exchange for free crypto tokens worth around 7.000 Kenyania (Rp. 745 thousand).

Since its launch, people around the world, including Kenya, Germany, Spain, and France, have flocked to the registration site to scan their eyes with a "ball-shaped orbit". This project has also been in the spotlight in the UK, Germany, and France.