Worldcoin Woes in Kenya Worsen as Police Reportedly Raid Warehouse, Seize Data Equipment

According to an Aug. 7 report, Worldcoin’s warehouse in Kenya was subject to a police raid. Authorities reportedly entered the Nairobi-based warehouse and seized machines believed to contain stored data.

This development follows shortly after the Kenyan government suspended Worldcoin’s operations in the country on Aug 2. Kenyan authorities are reportedly investigating if the project respects the country’s strict citizen privacy rights.

Worldcoin Kenya Launch Triggers Ongoing Privacy Concerns

On July 24, Worldcoin launched as a digital identification platform. It was designed to distinguish real humans from artificial intelligence (AI) and bots.

Since launching, the project has encountered criticism due to its unique signup requirements.

To join, users must interact with the main tool called the Orb. This device scans eyes to confirm the identities of individuals using iris-scanning technology. Afterward, users get a World ID and some of the company’s own cryptocurrency, Worldcoin (WLD).

Critics across the world have questioned the ethical aspects of the project. The Kenyan government, in particular, has adopted a firm position due to processing personal data without a valid reason being against the law in Kenya.

Kenya’s Data Commissioner, Immaculate Kassait, reportedly stated that the project’s executives did not reveal its true intentions during the registration process.

Worldcoin asserts that scans are immediately deleted unless users opt to share their data.

Opinions on Worldcoin a Mixed Bag

BeInCrypto previously covered the results of MIT Technology’s findings investigation into Worldcoin. It involved interviewing participants engaged with Worldcoin’s onboarding process. The findings were not in favor of the project.

“We found that the company’s representatives used deceptive marketing practices, collected more personal data than it acknowledged, and failed to obtain meaningful informed consent,” MIT Technology reported.

However, despite skepticism surrounding the project, it has gained significant traction in Spain.

In Spain, Worldcoin is drawing an average of 20,000 new users per month, propelling it to become the fastest-growing market within the European Union.