The Kenyan High Court has mandated the Worldcoin project, founded by Sam Altman, to eradicate biometric data gathered from citizens within one week.
The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) in Kenya will oversee the deletion process, as outlined in the specifics of the case.
On May 5, Lady Justice Aburili Roselyne issued the ruling in an open court, instructing the Worldcoin Foundation and its representatives to “permanently delete” any biometric information obtained within the country.
Joshua Malidzo Nyawa, legal counsel for the Katiba Institute, a Kenyan NGO behind the lawsuit, expressed satisfaction, stating, “Justice Aburili has delivered one of the most progressive decisions by quashing the Worldcoin Foundation’s decision to collect biometric data without abiding by privacy safeguards.”
3. The right to privacy is a constitutional right, and a violation can occur by failing to adhere to procedural requirements, such as conducting a data privacy impact assessment.
— Joshua Malidzo Nyawa (@joshuamalidzo) May 5, 2025
Nyawa referred to the ruling as “a win for the right to privacy in Kenya,” asserting that the right to privacy is constitutionally protected. He noted, “A violation can arise from non-compliance with procedural norms like conducting a data privacy impact assessment. Consent obtained after inducements, including monetary offers and cryptocurrency, is not genuinely free and is illegal.”
Court States Worldcoin Acted Illegally in Data Collection
This judgement comes amid increasing scrutiny regarding the company’s adherence to data protection and privacy regulations in Kenya.
The Katiba Institute has claimed that the Worldcoin Foundation collected, handled, and processed biometric data “without conducting the required Data Protection Impact Assessment.” Moreover, the data collection process did not obtain the valid consent mandated by Kenyan legislation.
In August 2023, Kenya had already suspended operations for Worldcoin while initiating an investigation into their collection of public data, deemed unlawful.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki stated that the Kenyan government would take all necessary actions to safeguard public safety and uphold the integrity of financial transactions.
The project gained notoriety when crowds began forming outside malls to undergo iris scans facilitated by Worldcoin’s Orb.
Furthermore, a Kenyan official has described the initiative as “a gang of criminals who are coming to harvest data from young people.”
Worldcoin’s Global Regulatory Challenges Intensify
Worldcoin is currently facing regulatory challenges in multiple nations due to its controversial iris scanning program.
The crypto undertaking has secured over USD 1 billion in investments from prominent firms and individuals, including Andreessen Horowitz, LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, and the venture capital arm of Coinbase.
Despite this, Worldcoin continues to be suspended in several regions worldwide. In Indonesia, regulators have alleged that the project may have breached serious regulations.
According to a recent report from a local news agency, Indonesia halted Worldcoin’s operations “to prevent potential risks to the community.”
Alexander Sabar, Director General of Digital Space Supervision, remarked, “Non-compliance with registration obligations and the use of another legal entity’s identity to provide digital services constitutes a serious violation.”
The post Kenya High Court Quashes Sam Altman’s Worldcoin Biometric Data, Cites Privacy Issues appeared first on Finance Newso.
