Kenya Accuses Worldcoin of Espionage
The Kenyan government has accused Sam Altman’s Worldcoin of espionage as part of an investigation into the company’s data collection activities in the country. A report presented by an ad hoc committee in parliament stated that Worldcoin’s actions constituted acts of espionage and a threat to statehood.
Investigation into Data Collection Violations
The investigation focuses on Worldcoin’s violation of the Data Protection Act of 2019. The company applied for registration as a data controller a year after starting its activities in Kenya, which is against the law. The committee is calling for an investigation into two affiliated foreign firms, Tools for Humanity (TFH) Corp and Tools for Humanity (TFH) GmbH, for their alleged illicit operations in the country.
Data Collection Operations and Public Concerns
Worldcoin began collecting data in Kenya in May 2021 through iris scans at various locations in Nairobi. However, investigations into its activities only started after public concerns were raised following the formal launch of Worldcoin’s ID system in July.
Halt on Worldcoin Operations
The Kenyan government suspended Worldcoin’s operations on August 2, after approximately 350,000 Kenyans had been registered. The public was concerned about how their data would be used, but Worldcoin assured that it was securely stored on Amazon Web Services servers in South Africa.
Questions about Data Retraction and Regulatory Reforms
There are still questions regarding the ability to retract and delete the collected data when necessary, as well as compliance with Kenya’s Data Protection Act regarding the transfer of personal data outside of the country.
Regulatory Reforms Considered
The Worldcoin controversy has prompted Kenya to consider regulatory reforms, particularly through legislation to protect its citizens’ data. MPs have called for stricter rules for international businesses registering as data controllers or processors in Kenya, including full disclosure of data usage and storage and proof of registration with local regulatory organizations.
Hot Take: Kenya Raises Concerns Over Worldcoin’s Data Collection
The Kenyan government’s accusation of espionage against Worldcoin highlights the growing concerns over data privacy and security in the crypto industry. The investigation into Worldcoin’s activities in Kenya has raised questions about compliance with data protection laws and the potential misuse of collected biometric data. This incident serves as a reminder that proper regulation is necessary to safeguard individuals’ personal information and ensure transparency in the collection and storage of data. It also underscores the need for international businesses to adhere to local regulations when operating in foreign countries. Governments around the world should prioritize implementing robust regulatory frameworks to protect their citizens’ data and privacy.
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