# Kenyan government suspends Worldcoin By [Gerniocer](https://paragraph.com/@gerniocer) ยท 2023-08-02 --- The Kenyan government has taken the step of temporarily suspending the local operations of Sam Altman's Worldcoin project while authorities conduct an assessment of potential public safety risks. The decision comes amid concerns regarding the company's activities and the manner in which it intends to utilize the biometric information it collects. Kiture Kindiki, chairman of the Kenyan Ministry of the Interior, stated that law enforcement, financial services, and data protection agencies have launched investigations to determine the authenticity and legitimacy of the biometric information collection activities carried out by Worldcoin. The Worldcoin project, spearheaded by Sam Altman, is known for its World ID protocol, which relies on zero-knowledge proofs to enable individuals to verify their identities through retinal scans or phone numbers. However, the use and storage of biometric data have raised concerns among regulators and authorities, particularly when it comes to ensuring user privacy and data protection. Given the sensitive nature of biometric information and the potential implications on public safety and data security, the Kenyan government has decided to impose a temporary restriction on Worldcoin's operations in the country. This move allows the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the project's activities and assess any potential risks or legal implications. During this period of investigation, the Worldcoin project will not be able to continue its operations in Kenya. However, the final outcome of the assessment will determine whether the suspension will be lifted or if further actions will be taken by the government. As the situation develops, it will be important for Worldcoin and other companies operating in the biometric data space to comply with the regulations and demonstrate transparency and accountability in their data collection and usage practices. The Kenyan government's actions serve as a reminder of the growing scrutiny surrounding data privacy and the need for responsible handling of sensitive information, especially in emerging technologies like blockchain and decentralized identity systems. --- *Originally published on [Gerniocer](https://paragraph.com/@gerniocer/kenyan-government-suspends-worldcoin)*