Worldcoin Expands Operations in Ecuador and Resumes in Kenya Amid Regulatory Clearance

• Initiative allows Ecuadorians aged 18+ to join Worldcoin’s 5.7 million participants, enhancing online identity verification.
• After regulatory clearance, Worldcoin resumes operations in Kenya, overcoming previous suspension due to data protection concerns.

Worldcoin, is set to expand its presence by launching World ID orb verifications in Ecuador and resuming operations in Kenya. This expansion marks a phase for the crypto initiative as it aims to broaden its global user network, as we have developed in Crypto News Flash previously.

World ID verification is coming to Ecuador https://t.co/4nY6zlqA0p

— Worldcoin (@worldcoin) June 19, 2024

On June 26, Worldcoin will initiate orb verifications in six locations across Guayaquil and Quito, Ecuador. This initiative opens the door for Ecuadorians aged 18 and older to become part of the Worldcoin network, which already includes 5.7 million participants, as it has done in its neighboring countries.

The launch aligns with increasing global support for technologies that enhance online human identity verification, a need underscored by recent surveys from Tools for Humanity (TFH), a contributor to Worldcoin. The surveys in Ecuador reflect a strong preference for technological solutions to distinguish humans from bots, aiming to tackle online fraud and bot interference.

Simultaneously, Worldcoin is preparing to re-establish its footprint in Kenya. The project had previously faced a year-long suspension amid regulatory scrutiny concerning data protection and the legality of its operations. 

“The resultant investigation file was forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for an independent review and advice. Upon review of the file, the Director of Public Prosecutions concurred and directed that the file be closed with no further police action,” it reported.

However, following a thorough investigation, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya issued a closure on the case, as confirmed by a letter dated June 14. This development paves the way for Worldcoin to restart its iris-scanning operations, initially launched to create a novel identity and cryptocurrency system in the country, like we have written about previously in Crypto News Flash.

Despite the green light in Kenya, Worldcoin has been directed to ensure proper business registration and licensing. The DCI has also highlighted the importance of diligently vetting vendors to secure continuous operations in Kenya.

Thomas Scott, TFH’s Chief Legal Officer, expressed relief and gratitude for the resolution of the investigation, reaffirming the company’s commitment to collaborating with the Kenyan government. Scott emphasized the opportunity this presents for Worldcoin to reintegrate and expand its operations, aiming to involve more Kenyans in the global economy.

“We will continue working with the Government of Kenya and others and we hope to resume World ID registration across the country soon. For today, we are just pleased to return our focus to advancing Worldcoin’s mission: creating opportunities for people in Kenya and elsewhere to participate in the global economy,” he said.

Support for Anti-Bot Technology Grows Across Latin America

Recent online surveys conducted across Latin America reveal strong support for technology-based solutions to distinguish humans from bots. Tools for Humanity (TFH), a research group, has shared insights from its latest polls in Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, and Mexico that underscore the regional commitment to enhancing online security and authenticity.

In Ecuador, a striking 92% of respondents advocate for technological measures to differentiate humans from bots in online environments. Similarly, in Peru, 90% of over 800 participants expressed a desire for such technologies. Furthermore, 84% of the Peruvian respondents considered these human-verification mechanisms as crucial for the future.

Meanwhile, in Colombia, concerns about online bots are significant, with 71% of survey participants indicating they are either very or somewhat worried that more convincing online bots could lead to increased levels of fraud and misinformation.