Worldcoin Apologises To Kenyans After Gov't Suspended Operations, Says They'll Resume

• Kenyan government suspended the activities of Tools for Humanity (TFH), a company operating Worldcoin, until investigations into data privacy are conducted
• Worldcoin launched in the country on Monday, July 24, luring Kenyans to scan their eyeballs for free 25WLD coins equivalent to KSh 7,000
• The company's co-founder and CEO, Alex Blania, regretted the steps taken, saying the firm is working closely with authorities for compliance and hopes to resume operations

Worldcoin has issued an apology to Kenyans after its activities were suspended by the government.

Tools for Humanity (TFH), a company that operates Worldcoin, said activities in Kenya are paused but continue in other countries across the world.

Worldcoin assures Kenyans privacy of their data

Worldcoin co-founder and CEO Alex Blania revealed that the entity is engaging relevant authorities in the country and hopes to resume operations.

"Tools for Humanity (TFH) has paused World ID verifications in Kenya as we continue to work with local regulators to address their questions. We apologize to everyone in Kenya for the delay. We look forward to resuming operations while continuing global rollout," said Blania.

Blania explained that World ID, one of the components of Worldcoin that collects a person's iris biometrics, is built for privacy.

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki said investigations are ongoing to ascertain the authenticity of the entity.

"Relevant security, financial services and data protection agencies have commenced inquiries and investigations to establish the authenticity and legality of the aforesaid activities, the safety and protection of the data being harvested, and how the harvesters intend to use the data," said Kindiki.

Mixed reactions from Kenyans

Blania's statement stirred mixed reactions among Kenyans, some welcoming the move by Worldcoin to engage local authorities while others questioning its authenticity.

@rass_di said;

"Work on providing many orbs and verification centres. Many people want to be verified world coin in Kenya."

@James_mugambih noted;

"When you return, please avail orbs in Meru town."

@kiptoonfelix6 said;

"After solving the issue, please bring the orb to Eldoret Town, Uasin Gishu County."

@JoJoslucs asked;

"Can you explain to Kenyans the purpose and intention to pick that data? Is it cult as we saw on social media."

@MtenashatiK challenged;

"Why are you not doing it in USA?"

Most Kenyans do not know how Worldcoin operates

Worldcoin launched in Kenya on Monday, July 24, offering free tokens of 25WLD or KSh 7,000 to Kenyans scanning their eyeballs.

More than 350,000 Kenyans had registered for the cryptocurrency craze as of Tuesday, August 1.

However, the majority of those scanning their eyeballs did not know how the cryptocurrency works and operates.