Worldcoin Expands to Ecuador, Eyes Kenya Comeback

Worldcoin, the cryptocurrency project co-founded by OpenAI’s Sam Altman, is expanding its operations by launching its World ID orb verifications in Ecuador.

This initiative marks a significant milestone for Worldcoin, which is also preparing to resume operations in Kenya after a year-long suspension due to regulatory issues.

New Initiatives in Ecuador

Starting June 26, Worldcoin will offer orb verifications at six locations in Guayaquil and Quito, allowing Ecuadorians aged 18 and older to join the 5.7 million participants in the Worldcoin network.

The expansion in Ecuador reflects a broader global trend toward technologies that verify human identity online. Surveys conducted by Tools for Humanity (TFH), a contributor to Worldcoin, reveal strong local support for such technologies, indicating a collective desire to combat online bots and fraud.

Worldcoin’s entry into Ecuador is part of a larger plan that includes establishing Argentina as its hub in Latin America. This strategy involves substantial investment and the creation of professional opportunities for at least 50 qualified developers, operations specialists, software engineers, and data analysts.

Resuming Operations in Kenya

Simultaneously, Worldcoin has received clearance to resume its iris-scanning operations in Kenya. Local media reported that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) issued a letter on June 14, closing the investigation that had halted Worldcoin’s activities nearly a year ago.

The DCI forwarded the investigation file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for independent review. Upon review, the Director of Public Prosecutions concurred with the findings and directed that the file be closed with no further police action.

Despite this clearance, the DCI emphasized the necessity for Worldcoin to register its business and acquire the necessary licenses. It also highlighted the importance of vetting vendors for continued operations.

Kenya was one of the initial countries for Worldcoin’s iris-scanning scheme, designed to create a new identity and cryptocurrency system. However, regulatory concerns about data protection and the legality of its services led to a suspension shortly after its launch.

Regulatory Challenges and Investigations

The suspension triggered a parliamentary investigation, which recommended shutting down Worldcoin’s operations due to violations of data protection and consumer protection laws, and concerns over espionage and state security.

The investigation revealed that Worldcoin and its affiliates were not registered businesses in Kenya and lacked approval for their orb hardware.

Thomas Scott, TFH’s Chief Legal Officer, expressed gratitude for the fair investigation and reiterated the company’s commitment to working with the Kenyan government. He emphasized that the closure of the investigation marks a new beginning for Worldcoin in Kenya.

Scott stated that they would continue collaborating with the Kenyan government and others, aiming to resume World ID registration across the country soon. He underscored that the focus remains on advancing Worldcoin’s mission to create opportunities for people in Kenya and globally to participate in the economy.

However, Worldcoin and TFH continue to face investigations in other countries, including Spain and Germany. This ongoing scrutiny highlights the complex regulatory landscape that Worldcoin must navigate as it seeks to expand its global footprint and promote its innovative identity verification technologies.