Alex Bania, the co-founder of Worldcoin, a controversial tech firm, has broken his silence regarding the recent decision by the Kenyan government to suspend the company’s operations in the country.
In a statement released on Thursday, Bania clarified that World ID, their digital identification method, allows individuals to prove their uniqueness and existence while maintaining anonymity. The technology involves scanning users’ irises using a device called the Orb.
Bania expressed his apologies to the Kenyan people for the suspension, stating that “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.”
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki had announced on Wednesday that the Kenyan government had suspended Worldcoin’s activities and any other entities that engage in similar activities in the country. The government’s concern stemmed from Worldcoin’s registration exercise, which involved collecting eyeball/iris data from citizens.
The registration event, which was taking place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, was halted on Tuesday due to security concerns. Police locked the venue’s gate, leaving hundreds of Kenyans who had turned up to be turned away.
CS Kindiki further revealed that relevant security, financial services, and protection agencies have initiated inquiries and investigations to verify the authenticity and legality of Worldcoin’s activities. The safety and use of the harvested data are also under scrutiny.
To ensure public safety, the CS emphasized that the integrity of financial transactions involving a large number of citizens must be provided upfront and satisfactorily.
