Carlos Fernandes The Kenyan data regulator has issued a warning to its residents about Worldcoin’s “free money” offering and is currently assessing the company’s practices to ensure compliance with the law. The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) has urged Kenyans to exercise caution while signing up for Worldcoin’s token distribution. The regulator emphasized that Worldcoin’s activities in Kenya fall under the country’s 2019 Data Protection Act, granting the ODPC the authority to conduct assessments and request information to verify compliance.
Residents who rushed to participate in Worldcoin’s scheme, where they had their eyeballs scanned at Quickmart’s outlets in Nairobi, received 25 WLD tokens. Some individuals reportedly converted these tokens to USDT and then to Kenyan shillings. The allure of easy money, propagated through social media platforms like Tik Tok and Instagram, led many young Kenyans to participate.
The data regulator’s warning comes as it highlights the importance of obtaining accurate information about how personal and sensitive data will be used before providing it. Failure to comply with the law could lead to consequences for both token recipients and issuers. Kenya’s Data Commissioner, Immaculate Kassait, emphasized the need for the regulator to ensure Worldcoin’s adherence to the law.
This investigation by the Kenyan data regulator follows a similar inquiry launched by the French National Commission for Informatics and Liberty (CNIL) into Worldcoin’s practices. As the situation unfolds, the regulator urges residents to stay vigilant and remain informed about potential risks associated with the “free money” opportunity.
Let us know your thoughts on this story in the comments section below.
Table Of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Worldcoin
What is the Kenyan data regulator investigating?
The Kenyan data regulator is investigating Worldcoin’s “free money” scheme, where residents receive tokens for undergoing eye scans at Quickmart’s outlets in Nairobi.
Which law governs Worldcoin’s activities in Kenya?
Worldcoin’s activities in Kenya are governed by the country’s 2019 Data Protection Act.
What authority does the Kenyan data regulator have in this matter?
The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) has the authority to conduct assessments and request information to ensure Worldcoin’s compliance with the law.
What warning has the data regulator issued to Kenyans?
The data regulator has warned Kenyans to exercise increased vigilance while signing up for Worldcoin’s “free money” and to inquire about how their personal data will be used.
What are the consequences of non-compliance with the law?
If Worldcoin and others fail to comply with the law, there could be consequences for both token recipients and issuers.
Why did residents rush to get their eyeballs scanned?
Many young Kenyans rushed to get their eyeballs scanned after learning about the opportunity to receive easy money in the form of WLD tokens through social media platforms like Tik Tok and Instagram.
Has any other regulatory authority investigated Worldcoin?
Yes, the French National Commission for Informatics and Liberty (CNIL) has also launched a similar inquiry into Worldcoin’s practices.
More about Worldcoin
- Kenyan Data Protection Act (2019)
- Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC)
- The Nation – Worldcoin Token Distribution
- French National Commission for Informatics and Liberty (CNIL)
2 comments
da kenyan data law iz no joke! ODPC checkin’ worldcoin’s practices, but iz it too late? ppl already rushin’ to get those WLD tokens. hope they got da privacy thing sorted tho!
lol, free money? count me in! worldcoin’s givin’ out tokens for eye scans, n i’m all 4 it. but da data regulator’s investigatin’, so we gotta b careful bout givin’ our info. hope it’s legit tho!