Worldcoin Crypto Project Will Resume Activities in Kenya

According to a statement from Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), prosecutors have completed their investigation into the Worldcoin crypto project, which began in May 2024. The investigation looked into allegations of illegal data collection, including scanning irises and facial images using special devices, as well as storing sensitive personal data. The prosecutor's office found no violations and ordered the case to be closed, freeing the company from further action by the police.

Worldcoin suspended its operations in Kenya in August 2023. In connection with the completion of the investigation, Kenyan law enforcement officers recommended that Worldcoin management register the project and obtain the necessary licenses from the Personal Data Protection Commission of Kenya and the Communications Authority of Kenya. The authorities also called on the crypto project to undergo thorough due diligence and enter into all necessary contracts with third-party suppliers in the country.

Thomas Scott, General Counsel of Tools for Humanity, OpenAI's Worldcoin development partner, commented: “We are grateful to DCI for the fair investigation and the willingness of law enforcement to close the case. We will continue to work with Kenyan regulators to resume operations in the country.”

The incident in Kenya is not an isolated incident for Worldcoin. In May, Hong Kong authorities completed an investigation into the activities of the crypto project and identified violations, which led to a ban on Worldcoin in the administrative region. Also, a Spanish court previously ordered the company to cease its activities in the country. However, a survey conducted by Tools for Humanity showed that 87% of Spaniards expect Worldcoin to return, indicating significant public interest in the project.

The re-establishment of Worldcoin's operations in Kenya is an important step for the company, demonstrating its willingness to cooperate with regulators and comply with local laws. This case also highlights the need for crypto projects to strictly follow data protection regulations and work with authorities to prevent possible violations. The successful resumption of Worldcoin in Kenya could set an example for other countries where the project has faced regulatory problems and improve its reputation on the international stage.

In this way, Worldcoin not only strengthens its position in Kenya, but also demonstrates the importance of transparency and cooperation with regulators, which can ultimately contribute to the sustainable development of the crypto industry on a global scale.