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Worldcoin
Blockchain Technology cryptocurrency Kenya Government Technology Worldcoin

Worldcoin Suspended in Kenya as Thousands Queue For Free Money

 

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.
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Killnet
Anonymous Sudan Cyber Attacks eCitizen Service Kenya Kenya Government Killnet

eCitizen Cyberattack: Kenyan Government Portal’s Services Disrupted


The Kenya government recently confirmed that its eCitizen portal was affected by a cyber-attack. The portal was used by the public to access over 5,000 government services.

The attack came to notice after its customers complained of disruption in its services, which included passport and application renewal, issuing e-visas, and driving licenses.

Following the confirmation of the attack and hindrance in the eCitizen system, the government was made to promise visas on arrival to its foreign customers who had earlier applied for e-visas. Also, certain disruption was noticed in the train-booking systems and electricity billing. 

People who rely on the popular mobile-money service M-Pesa to make payments at stores, public transportation vehicles, hotels, and other platforms also encountered issues. Mobile money banking services were also impacted.

Apparently, the attack also impacted several private companies, however, the claim has not been confirmed yet.

Anonymous Sudan

The attack has been executed by hackers, who call themselves ‘Anonymous Sudan’. The group claims to have been based in Sudan, portraying themselves as ‘cyber-warriors,’ and has vowed to attack anyone attempting to meddle in the country's internal affairs, it is however thought to have ties to Russia. The group apparently supports Russia and is an affiliate of the pro-Russian threat group Killnet. 

The group came to light in January this year and has been popular since, carrying our several attacks. It has been categorized as disruptive, but not sophisticated. 

The majority of the group's communications have been shared on its Telegram channel, where on Sunday a warning of an upcoming attack on Kenyan computer systems was posted.

The reason it gave for the recent cyberattack was that "Kenya has been attempting to meddle in Sudanese affairs and released statements doubting the sovereignty of our government," as per the reports.

Apparently, the group is citing the issue pertaining to the Sudanese government, which has repeatedly accused Kenyan President William Ruto of lacking neutrality and rejected his attempts to mediate in the ongoing war between the Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Follow-up of the Attack

Since, the government has been putting emphasis on its people utilizing its online services, along with adopting online payment methods, the recent attack seems to have consequently impacted a large number of Kenyans.

After the attack became public, the ICT Cabinet Secretary, Eliud Owalo, confirmed that the services suffered no data loss and that the government is working on solving the issue and securing its platform. However, the hackers claim to have access to victims’ passport data.

Following the incident, on Friday, the ministry held a meeting with several private sector professionals to address cyber security issues.

Although there are still sporadic interruptions that slow down or prevent users from accessing services normally on the internet platform, the government claims to have been able to stop the attack's source.  

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