Kenya has disclosed that the United States government is exerting pressure to enable WorldCoin, a cryptocurrency token associated with Sam Altman, to resume operations within its borders.
Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki affirmed that Kenya would not yield to US pressure until safety concerns regarding WorldCoin, raised in August 2023, are adequately addressed.
Kenya Resists US Pressure to Allow WorldCoin Operations Amid Safety Concerns
Despite US insistence, Prof Kindiki asserted the government’s unwavering stance, emphasizing that the suspension of WorldCoin’s activities remains in effect and will not be reconsidered.
Kenya initiated the suspension last August due to concerns about data security and usage associated with WorldCoin’s iris scanning technology for digital ID and free money distribution.
In response to the government’s action, WorldCoin halted its operations in Kenya, pledging to comply with local laws and regulations. The project’s commitment to transparency and compliance was reiterated, signaling a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with Kenyan authorities.
WorldCoin CEO Alex Blania appeared before the National Assembly Ad Hoc Committee in September 2023 to address stakeholders’ concerns.
Kenya Leads in User Curiosity
Blania revealed that prior to the suspension, WorldCoin had enlisted 350,000 users in Kenya, distributing tokens valued at $45 each and investing millions in education programs across the country.
Meanwhile, global interest in WorldCoin continues to grow, with Kenya emerging as a focal point of enthusiasm. According to a CoinJournal study based on Google Trends data, Kenya leads in user curiosity, reflecting a strong interest in WorldCoin and its initiatives.
Kenya Remains Steadfast in Prioritizing Safety
The project, spearheaded by Sam Altman and closely linked to OpenAI, aims to revolutionize identity verification through iris scanning technology and blockchain integration, addressing critical challenges in online identity verification.
Despite external pressures, Kenya remains steadfast in prioritizing safety and regulatory compliance, underscoring the importance of addressing concerns surrounding WorldCoin’s operations before considering any potential resumption.
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