Kenya’s interior ministry has said to the public that it had suspended the local activities of cryptocurrency project Worldcoin while government agencies assess potential risks to public safety.
According to the announcement, the project was founded by OpenAI Chief Executive Officer, Sam Altman which was launched last week.
It requires users to give their iris scans in exchange for a digital ID, and in some countries, users also get free cryptocurrency as part of plans to create a new “identity and financial network”.
Speaking according to the Interior minister Kithure Kindiki in his statement; “Relevant security, financial services and data-protection agencies have commenced enquiries and investigations to establish the authenticity and legality of the aforesaid activities.”
On the other hand, Worldcoin did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Kindiki said the government was concerned with Worldcoin’s activities, and agencies would probe how it intends to use the data it gathers. He said action would be taken against anyone who engages with its activities, without elaborating.
Local media have reported that more than 350,000 Kenyans had signed up for Worldcoin as of last week in exchange for free cryptocurrency tokens worth around 7,000 Kenyan shillings ($49.09).
According to report, since its launch, people around the world including in Kenya, Germany, Spain and France have been flocking to registration sites to get their eyes scanned by a shiny spherical “orb”.
Additionally, the project has also come under scrutiny in Britain, Germany and France.
