Kenya's government recently issued an order to cryptocurrency initiative Worldcoin, directing them to halt the registration of fresh users due to concerns regarding data privacy.
During this week, a significant number of Kenyan citizens have been lining up at registration centers to obtain the cryptocurrency, valued at approximately $49 (£39).
However, the Kenyan government has issued a cautionary notice, urging people to exercise caution when sharing their personal data with private companies.
The Communications Authority of Kenya has expressed specific concerns regarding the cryptocurrency project.
Their apprehensions include the manner in which biometric data is being stored, the practice of offering money in return for data, and the potential risk associated with entrusting vast amounts of data to a private company.
The Ministry of the Interior in Kenya has initiated an official investigation into the operations of Worldcoin and has called upon security services and data protection agencies to verify its authenticity and legality.
Worldcoin responded to the situation through a statement released on Thursday, announcing its plans to implement crowd-control measures and collaborate with the government before resuming its activities. The organization assured that it is committed to adhering to Kenyan regulations.
Meanwhile, in the capital city, Nairobi, at one of the pop-up registration centers, hundreds of individuals were left unable to proceed with the registration process on Wednesday. The authorities deemed the large crowd as a "security risk," leading to the temporary suspension of the registration activities.
"I've been coming here almost three days to line up and register. I want to register because I'm jobless and I'm broke, that's why I'm here, I came here yesterday. I waited until my phone died. So I came again today but I missed the registration again. I really like Worldcoin because of the money. I'm not worried about the data being taken. As long as the money comes," Webster Musa said.
According to a statement given to BBC, Worldcoin selected Kenya as its initial African launch destination due to the country's thriving tech industry and the presence of over four million Kenyans actively engaged in cryptocurrency trading. The company saw the nation as an opportune location to introduce its platform to the African market.
