Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki revealed on Thursday, September 14, that the Kenyan government has initiated a forensic analysis of the hardware components used by American Artificial Intelligence company OpenAI in its data collection efforts for the now-suspended Worldcoin cryptocurrency project.
The announcement came during Kindiki's appearance before the Senate Ad Hoc committee tasked with investigating the controversial crypto initiative.
Kindiki disclosed that the investigative efforts were aimed at examining 48 orbs, electronic devices, and various operational materials seized from the agents of two companies.
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According to Kindiki, 'Tools for Humanity Corporation' and 'Tools for Humanity' agents were involved in the collection of biometric data, particularly iris scans of individuals, in exchange for Worldcoin tokens valued at Ksh7,000.
"The National Security agencies have also recovered assorted documents and recorded twenty-six (26) statements from witnesses and other persons of interest and are currently being analyzed," Kindiki explained during his statement before the Senate committee.
He emphasized the government's commitment to expedite the investigations in light of public interest and national security concerns.
Moreover, the Interior Cabinet Secretary underscored the potential nexus between cryptocurrencies, money laundering, and the financing of terrorism.
He acknowledged the existence of a legal and regulatory gap within Kenya's cybersecurity and cybercrime prevention framework, as highlighted by the Data Protection Act No. 18 of 2021.
"A task force has been established to develop regulations under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018, and proposed regulations will help address gaps in cybersecurity and cybercrime prevention and give full effect to the Act," Kindiki stated.
To address these concerns, a task force has been established to develop regulations under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2018.
Kindiki expressed optimism that the proposed regulations would help bridge the gaps in cybersecurity and cybercrime prevention while ensuring full compliance with existing legislation.
The Interior Cabinet Secretary's statement came following his meeting with the National Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee, which is conducting its own inquiry into the activities and operations of Worldcoin in Kenya.
The committee, chaired by Honorable Gabriel Tongoyo, has been actively scrutinizing the project's impact on the country and its citizens.
