Kenyan MP Says The U.S. Blocked Arrest Of Worldcoin CEO

A Kenyan lawmaker said that the U.S. prevented the CEO of Worldcoin from being arrested. The information was revealed during an ad hoc committee hearing looking into Worldcoin’s operations in East Africa. In recent months, Worldcoin has been under much scrutiny and criticism for its novel method of issuing digital tokens to individuals via iris scanning.

The organization reportedly scanned the irises of almost 350,000 people in Kenya alone in exchange for a small quantity of its volatile cryptocurrency, WLD. Cyrus Blania, a Kenyan lawmaker, revealed that the United States had intervened to stop the CEO of Worldcoin from being detained during a recent session.

Alex Blania, the CEO and co-founder of Worldcoin, was arrested in Kenya alongside Thomas Scott, his chief legal counsel, at the airport in Nairobi. The inquiry conducted by the ad hoc committee into Worldcoin’s operations in Kenya, when completed, is anticipated to provide information on several areas of the cryptocurrency project’s operations, including its effects on local communities, data security procedures, and regulatory compliance.

Worldcoin Methodology Received Missed Reaction, Hints Privacy Issues

There have been mixed reactions among the cryptocurrency community to the recent development. Supporters claim that it allows unbanked people to access digital assets. In contrast, others have voiced privacy and security issues and worries about exploiting people who are naive about Worldcoin’s operations.

News also states that Blania provided details about them during his evidence before the special investigation committee. Following his assertion, Worldcoin allegedly invested Sh700 million ($4.8 million) in Kenya. The money was allegedly intended for projects aimed at educating people about blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies and spreading awareness of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Reactions to Worldcoin’s presence in Kenya and its interactions with the local population have been contentious. Recent observation shows that Worldcoin supporters see the project as a chance to bring technology innovation and financial inclusion to underprivileged people. However, detractors contend that the project’s methodology creates ethical and privacy issues, emphasizing the delicate nature of iris data.

Worldcoin CEO Investigations Altered, As News Of U.S. Interference Materialize

The investigation into the project has taken on a new dimension with the disclosure of the U.S. interference, which prevented the CEO of Worldcoin from being arrested. The investigation’s findings might have more significant effects on the cryptocurrency market and how it interacts with national governments and regulatory agencies around the world.

The CEO of Worldcoin was detained as he and his entourage prepared to leave the country, according to Kithure Kindiki, Kenya’s interior cabinet secretary, who was commenting about the latest turn of events. Kindiki claimed during the committee hearing that because Blania, Scott, and the other Worldcoin officials haven’t been “found guilty” of a crime, the United States has prevented police from carrying out the detentions.

He says that the United States government immediately intervened, with the excuse that they (the culprits) should be released and allowed to leave since they are yet to be found guilty of committing any crime that is known by law.

The secretory also added that the United States government assured that they would produce them to the Kenyan authorities should the need arise. The committee investigating this case is expected to submit its findings by the 28th of September, 2023.

Meanwhile, Sam Altman, the co-founder of OpenAI, was reported to have been seen with the Kenyan president, William Ruto, in the company of Kenyan Meg Whitman, the United States ambassador, and other dignitaries engaging in a closed-door meeting. The outcome of that is still unknown.