- Local organizers have been summoned and recorded statements.
- Ad hoc Committee to meet World coin management on Wednesday.
Police are investigating how Data Protection Commissioner issued certificates to two foreign companies that aided sensitive personal data collection from unsuspecting Kenyans.
DCI boss Mohamed Amin on Monday told MPs that Tools for Humanity Corporation and Tools for Humanity Gmbh were issued with certificates to allow them to collect the sensitive data under unclear circumstances.
According to documents tabled before the ad hoc committee probing the activities of World coin in the country, DCI chief said they are investigating whether procedure was followed in issuing out the certificates.
“Investigations have since established that there are Data Controller Certificates issued to two foreign entities from the office of Data Protection Commissioner,” DCI documents in possession of the Star read.
“The circumstances surrounding the issuance of the Certificates by the Data Commissioner to the two entities and whether proper procedures were complied with are a subject of the ongoing investigations.”
According to DCI documents tabled before the ad committee chaired by Narok West Gabriel Tongoyo, Tools for Humanity Gmbh and Tools for Humanity Corporation were issued with certificates on September 15, 2022 and April 18, 2023 respectively.
The certificates are valid for a period of two years.
The two companies, according to DCI, are co-funded by Sam Altman, CEO of Open Artificial Intelligence and Alex Blania and have been in operation across 34 countries in the world.
Amin told MPs during a closed-door session on Monday that the two foreign firms defied Data Protection Commissioner directive that they cease harvesting the sensitive data.
“Nonetheless, investigations have established that despite directions from the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner vide letter Ref. A1/6217798 dated May 30, 2023 served to Ariana of Tools for Humanity Corp, directing that Tools for Humanity Corporation cease collecting sensitive personal data,” the document states.
“The entity continued with its operations in total disregard to the directives.”
The country’s top sleuth also revealed that a number of individuals and companies, which aided the controversial trade have been summoned and recorded statements with the police.
“The investigators summoned the local organisers who have since recorded their statements in regard to this matter,” he said.
“We have placed travel restrictions against all persons involved pending outcome of the investigations. The foreign individuals concerned have also been summoned through Interpol.”
“Our investigations are at advanced stage and our recommendations will be shared with the ODPP upon conclusion.”
The investigators have also cast their net to include at least 10 companies and individuals who aided the collection of the iris and facial images through scanning using an Orb apparatus.
They either acted as either Orb operators, agents, consultants and marketers
They include Exp Momentum Ltd, Sense Marketing, Bowmans Law firm- Coulson Harney LLP, Fogo Generators, Sava Projects Limited and Ariana Issais of Bowmans Law Firm.
Individuals in the racket included Rael Mwende, Wangeci Mwangi and Charles Wanjagi.
The investigators, according to DCI, have also reached out to various government regulatory agencies like Central Bank of Kenya, Communications Authority, office of Data Protection Commission, Registrar of Companies and Capital Markets Authority to give input into the ongoing probe.
Others include Kenya Bureau of Standards, Nuclear Power and Energy Agency, Consumer Protection Agency and Interpol.
Worldcoin is a crypto wallet app launched on July 24, 2023.
It uses a combination of cryptocurrency and biometric registration to create a new kind of global identity service.
Worldcoin was co-founded by Open AI CEO Sam Altman.
It aims to create a global financial network and identity by showing proof of personhood.
Currently, it is readily available in cities like Nairobi, Hong Kong, Lisbon, Mexico City, New York, Sao Paulo, Seoul, Singapore and Paris.