World News
Kenya suspends Worldcoin scans over security, privacy and financial concerns on August 2, 2023 at 10:25 am
Kenya was one of the first countries where Worldcoin — the controversial startup that aims to create a new “human identity and financial network” through eye scans and its own cryptocurrency — launched sign-ups and as of this week, it was one of the biggest markets for take-up. Now, Kenya could be one of the first to ban it outright.
The country’s Ministry of the Interior has issued a decree suspending Worldcoin enrollment in the country, citing concerns with the “authenticity and legality” of its activities in the areas of security, financial services and data protection. The suspension covers both Worldcoin and “any other entity that may be similarly engaging the people of Kenya” and will remain in place until the authorities determine “the absence of any risks to the general public whatsoever.”
Up until today, Kenya had one of the largest footprints of venues — at least 18, according to the company’s directory last week — where you could visit an “Orb”, as the company’s spherical and mirrored iris-scanners are called, “and verify your World ID.” Now there is only one listed — after Orb operators overwhelmed by the huge turnout, shifted their stations on Sunday to Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), a bigger ground in Kenya’s capital, to accommodate thousands of people streaming in.
(In our direct experience, the list is a little unreliable anyway. In the UK, one of the other countries where regulators are looking into Worldcoin’s privacy and security, three venues were listed in London last week at launch, including one, curiously, in a coffee hut in Kensington Gardens adjacent to Hyde Park. That disappeared after the first day and eventually one of the other locations did, too. Now there is only one in operation.)
“Relevant security, financial service and data protection agencies have commenced inquiries and investigations to establish the authenticity and legality of the aforesaid activities, and the safety and protection of the data being harvested, and how the harvesters intend to use the data,” said Kithure Kindiki, Kenya’s cabinet secretary for the ministry of interior and national administration.
We have reached out to Worldcoin for comment and will update this story with any response.
Worldcoin, co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and currently valued at over $2 billion, has raised over $500 million to create a “proof-of-personhood” network.
It’s doing this by registering “verified humans” through the scanning of eyeballs by way of its Orbs, and it’s been luring users to come in for scans by offering them “free” crypto tokens in exchange. Tools for Humanity, the team building Worldcoin, is said to be creating an app that will link up with these global IDs, using Worldcoin tokens for payments, purchases and transfers, alongside other cryptocurrencies and fiat-backed stablecoins.
What is not clear is how the suspension order today will impact the fact that there are now a lot of Worldcoin tokens in circulation in Kenya, which are now being traded around.
The coins have quickly become a part of the grey market that surrounds cryptocurrency especially in emerging economies, which sits far outside the authority of regulators, tax collectors and other government bodies.
After the global official launch last week, locals that had received the tokens could sell them for USDT (the stablecoin pegged to the US dollar) on crypto exchanges, or to “brokers” in exchange for cash. In Kenya, that promise of “free money” quickly spread across the country, leading to an influx of people at the recruitment (Orb) stations, which is what started to draw the attention of government agencies.
It’s worth asking why the authorities didn’t think of this eventuality, or any of the privacy and security implications, before allowing Worldcoin to establish operations in the country in the first place. Kenya — along with Chile, Indonesia, France and Sudan — was one of the first countries to pilot the registration service back in 2021. Regardless, it is now looking at it with clearer eyes: Kindiki says that the suspension is critical for public safety and the integrity of the financial transactions.
The suspension should not come as too much of a surprise: just days ago, the country’s office of the Data Commissioner said it was already conducting an assessment of Worldcoin’s practices in Kenya to ensure compliance with the country’s laws.
Along with the many issues that skeptical peers in the technology industry have been raising about the Worldcoin project and its bigger business ambitions, there are growing concerns about how those efforts to build a biometric database using the promise of free cryptocurrency have exploited economically-disadvantaged people. Again, some of these issues have been there in plain sight for people to see. An MIT Review investigation — published last year — found that it “used deceptive marketing practices, was collecting more personal data than it acknowledged, and failed to obtain meaningful informed consent.”
Worldcoin registration is currently ongoing in 35 cities, and the company is on its way to crossing 3 million users, after enrolling over half a million people in the last seven days.
Kenya was one of the first countries where Worldcoin — the controversial startup that aims to create a new “human identity and financial network” through eye scans and its own cryptocurrency — launched sign-ups and as of this week, it was one of the biggest markets for take-up. Now, Kenya could be one of the
Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church, remains in critical condition at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he has been receiving treatment for over a week. The pontiff’s health has taken a turn for the worse, raising concerns among the faithful worldwide.
Current Status
As of Saturday, February 22, 2025, Pope Francis experienced a prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis that required high-flow oxygen treatment. The Vatican reported that his condition had deteriorated since Friday, emphasizing that “the pope is not out of danger”.
The Holy Father continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair, although he is experiencing more discomfort than the previous day. His prognosis remains guarded, indicating the seriousness of his condition.
Medical Challenges
Pope Francis is battling a complex set of medical issues:
- Bilateral pneumonia affecting both lungs
- A polymicrobial respiratory tract infection, involving a mix of viruses, bacteria, and possibly other organisms
- Asthmatic bronchitis requiring cortisone antibiotic treatment
- Low platelet counts associated with anemia, necessitating blood transfusions
Treatment and Outlook
The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis will remain hospitalized for at least another week. He is receiving targeted drug therapy and high-flow oxygen as needed. While he is not on a ventilator and can breathe independently, his condition requires close monitoring.
Impact on Vatican Activities
In light of the pope’s condition, all public engagements on his schedule have been suspended through Sunday. The Vatican is carrying on with its Holy Year celebrations without the pope’s presence.
As the Catholic world watches and prays for Pope Francis’s recovery, the Vatican continues to provide updates on his condition. The situation remains fluid, and both positive and negative outcomes are possible given the complexity of the pope’s health issues.
Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life
New Delhi, India – February 16, 2025 – Her Royal Majesty Queen Shanta Lana Hereford, a distinguished global leader and advocate for peace and economic empowerment, was a special
guest speaker at an international event hosted by the EurAsia Afro Chamber of Commerce. The
hybrid event, aired live from New Delhi, India, gathered influential leaders, policymakers, and business executives from around the world to discuss global cooperation, economic diplomacy, and sustainable peace.
Queen Shanta delivered a compelling speech titled “Creating a Framework for a Global Peace Charter,” emphasizing the need for a justice-centered, faith-driven approach to global peace. She outlined a transformative vision, calling for governments, businesses, and faith leaders to unite to draft policies integrating equity, economic accountability, and environmental stewardship into global governance.
“The pursuit of peace is not just the absence of war; it is the presence of justice, dignity, and
opportunity for all, ” Queen Shanta stated. “We must move beyond just talking and establish
actionable frameworks that empower nations and communities to achieve lasting prosperity and peace.”
The EurAsia Afro Chamber of Commerce, under the leadership of its founder and chairman, Dr. Rohit Gupta, is dedicated to fostering economic and cultural collaboration between Africa, Asia, and Europe. The organization aims to create a strong, interconnected business network
bridging these regions, facilitating pathways for economic prosperity and diplomatic relations.
As a prolific leader within the African American diaspora and a global advocate for its
advancement, HRM Queen Shanta Lana Hereford is actively exploring opportunities for trade
and commerce between Africa, Asia, Europe, and other international communities.
Through her affiliations with organizations such as The African Diaspora Collective, The Atlanta Black Chambers, The Black Achievement Fund, The National Business League, The 10K Project, and many others, she is championing economic initiatives that build sustainable supply chains and foster strategic partnerships.
Her mission is to create economic opportunities for Black entrepreneurs and business leaders in America, who have historically been excluded from global trade discussions. By forging these international connections, Queen Hereford is working to ensure that Black communities in the U.S. not only have a seat at the table but play a key role in shaping the future of international commerce, economic empowerment, and global policy.
The event featured several other distinguished guests, including:
● Dr. Rohit Gupta: Founder and Chairman of the EurAsia Afro Chamber of Commerce,
Dr. Gupta has been instrumental in promoting cross-continental business relationships
and trade.
● H.E. Bishop Dr. Samsher Khan: Founder of the BSK Prayer Tower and IRKT, Bishop
Dr. Khan serves as a Peace Ambassador for the International Human Rights
Commission (IHRC) and holds the position of Asia’s Social Media Editor. He is dedicated
to promoting peace and spiritual well-being across communities.
● Madam Sadhvi Pragya Bharti: Sadhvi Pragya Bharti is a spiritual leader, humanitarian,
and national media panelist known for her advocacy of social and educational reforms
rooted in spirituality and justice.
The event underscored the importance of strategic economic partnerships as a tool for
peacebuilding, aligning with Queen Hereford’s global mission of self-determination and
economic sovereignty for Black and Indigenous communities worldwide.
As part of her continued advocacy, Queen Hereford urged global stakeholders to collaborate on
drafting a Global Peace Charter, organizing annual Global Peace Assemblies, and
implementing economic policies that uplift marginalized communities.
This event marks a significant milestone in international diplomacy, reinforcing the role of
economic and cultural cooperation in shaping a peaceful and prosperous future for all.
For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact:
H.E. Roselyn Omaka
National Press Secretary, Nation of Cherut
Email: nps@nationofcherut.org
Phone: 281.301.5535
Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life
The start of 2025 has been marred by two horrific terror attacks in the United States, one in New Orleans and another in Las Vegas, both occurring on New Year’s Day. These incidents have left communities reeling and have raised concerns about potential connections between the suspects involved.
In New Orleans, a truck driven by 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar plowed into a crowd celebrating on Bourbon Street, resulting in at least 15 deaths and over 30 injuries. Eyewitnesses reported that Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran from Texas, deliberately targeted pedestrians while flying an ISIS flag from his vehicle. Following the attack, he exited the truck armed with an assault rifle and opened fire on police officers before being killed in the ensuing confrontation. Authorities discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) within his vehicle and in the vicinity of the attack site, further confirming the premeditated nature of this act of terrorism.
Simultaneously, a separate incident unfolded in Las Vegas when a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel. The driver, identified as Matthew Livelsberger, also had a military background and was reported to have detonated the vehicle packed with firework mortars and fuel, resulting in his death and injuring seven others. Investigators are exploring whether Livelsberger and Jabbar had any prior connection, as both men served at the same military base at different times.
While the FBI has confirmed that they are investigating both attacks as acts of terrorism, they have not established a definitive link between the two incidents. However, similarities in their execution—both suspects rented vehicles from the same company—have prompted further scrutiny into their backgrounds and any potential accomplices.
As investigations continue, authorities are urging anyone with information about either suspect to come forward. The tragic events have sparked discussions about security measures in public spaces, particularly as cities prepare for large gatherings in the coming months.
Every purchase helps us do what we love. Thank you!
Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters, filmmakers and actors. Our services now include acting classes. Additionally, we are introducing film reviews by experienced critics and professional press article writing covering industry news and trends. Whether you’re looking to craft compelling stories, enhance your acting skills, or gain insights into the film industry, our resources will equip you to thrive in this competitive field. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and bring your artistic vision to life!
“A Simple Favor” Sequel: Cast Reunites at SXSW
Issa Rae: Giving Flowers and Calling Out History in “Seen and Heard”
The Last of Us” Season 2: Cast and Creators Share Insights at SXSW
Career Growth2 days ago“A Simple Favor” Sequel: Cast Reunites at SXSW
- Career Growth2 days ago
Issa Rae: Giving Flowers and Calling Out History in “Seen and Heard”
- Business3 days ago
No Badge? No Problem: Free SXSW Events
- Business3 days ago
The Last of Us” Season 2: Cast and Creators Share Insights at SXSW
- Tech4 days ago
Apple Faces Potential iPhone Price Hike Amid China Tariffs
- Entertainment5 days ago
Harvey Weinstein Diagnosed with Cancer
- Entertainment6 days ago
Jamie Foxx Inks Multi-Year Deal with Fox Entertainment Studios
- Politics7 days ago
Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner Passes Away at 70
