Worldcoin Project Shut Down in Kenya Over Privacy Concerns
The Worldcoin project, co-founded by Sam Altman, has been shut down in Kenya due to privacy concerns. The project, which aims to create a new way to verify user identity using iris scans and artificial intelligence, is now under investigation by regulatory authorities in Germany and Europe.
Key Points:
- Bavaria’s data watchdog was still reviewing the Worldcoin project when it launched, but the company is not legally obliged to notify authorities.
- Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority is also monitoring Worldcoin’s financial aspect.
- Controversy surrounding the project includes potential privacy issues and manipulation of people in developing countries.
- The Bavarian Data Protection Authority is investigating Worldcoin’s compliance with GDPR and its role as a data controller.
- Authorities in Kenya have suspended Worldcoin operations and seized hardware.
Hot Take:
The shutdown of the Worldcoin project in Kenya highlights the growing concerns around privacy and the role of private companies in global identification infrastructure. This investigation serves as a reminder that regulatory scrutiny is necessary to ensure the protection of user data and prevent potential abuses in the crypto industry.