Kenya’s High Court has mandated that the World Foundation, previously known as Worldcoin and backed by OpenAI’s Sam Altman, permanently delete the biometric data it collected from Kenyan users. Justice Aburili Roselyne declared that the project’s data collection practices infringed upon the constitutional right to privacy.
The court order stipulates that Worldcoin must expunge all biometric information, including facial images and iris scans, within a seven-day timeframe. This process will be overseen by the country’s data protection officer. Furthermore, Justice Aburili issued an injunction barring Worldcoin from any future collection or processing of biometric data within Kenyan borders.
Data Collection Deemed Unlawful Due to Inadequate Assessment
The legal action against Worldcoin was jointly brought by the Katiba Institute and ICJ Kenya. The court’s ruling specifically nullified Worldcoin’s decision to gather and process biometric data without first conducting a thorough and adequate data protection impact assessment. ICJ Kenya emphasized the significance of the judgment, stating, “The judgment rightly underscores that even in the digital age, constitutional rights especially the right to privacy under Article 31 of the Constitution must be upheld.”
JUDGMENT: High Court safeguards the right to privacy
— Katiba Institute (@katibainstitute) May 5, 2025
Today, Lady Justice Aburili Roselyne has allowed our Judicial Review Application, where we challenged the collection, processing, and transfer of iris and facial images (biometric data)using the World Coin App and the Orb… https://t.co/7SisPV7ZCd
Setback for Worldcoin’s Ambitions in Key African Market
Kenya had emerged as a significant hub for Worldcoin sign-ups, attracting hundreds of thousands of users before local authorities suspended its operations in August 2023. This suspension followed concerns surrounding the project’s data collection methods and its compliance with local regulations.
Despite announcing intentions to resume operations in June 2024 after a police investigation was dropped, this court ruling presents a substantial setback for Worldcoin’s ambitions in a key African market. The order to delete existing data and the prohibition on future collection raise critical questions about the project’s future engagement with Kenya and potentially other jurisdictions grappling with the ethical implications of biometric data collection.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
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I’m a crypto enthusiast with a background in finance. I’m fascinated by the potential of crypto to disrupt traditional financial systems. I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative projects in the space. I believe that crypto has the potential to create a more equitable and inclusive financial system.
