Kenyan Court Orders Deletion of Worldcoin Data
- Biometric data collection deemed illegal by Kenyan court.
- Worldcoin operations may face regulatory scrutiny worldwide.
- Severe implications for cryptocurrency data practices in Africa.
Worldcoin has been ordered by a Kenyan High Court to delete biometric data collected from citizens within seven days, citing illegal practices, on May 5, 2025.
Sam Altman’s Worldcoin
Sam Altman’s Worldcoin project faced a decisive setback in Kenya after the recent court ruling against its biometric data collection methods. Previously, Worldcoin offered Kenyans approximately $50 in cryptocurrency for iris scans, a practice now deemed illegal.
Key figures include entrepreneur Sam Altman and Justice Roselyne Aburili, who criticized the data collection methods as unconstitutional. Meanwhile, Oscar Otieno, Kenya’s Deputy Data Commissioner, flagged these activities as risky and lacking in transparency.
The project was not safe for Kenyans and lacked proper transparency. — Oscar Otieno
The court asserted the data collection lacked informed consent and financial inducements were improperly used. This ruling could impact Worldcoin’s business strategies and its token’s market value amid heightened scrutiny of its practices.
The judgment reflects broader concerns about privacy encroachments in emerging markets. This development might influence other jurisdictions, potentially leading to similar regulatory measures worldwide, affecting the cryptocurrency landscape significantly. Investors may need to reassess the viability of crypto ventures concerning biometric data regulations.
This decision highlights the growing emphasis on upholding privacy rights globally and challenges emerging technologies to comply with local laws while seeking innovative solutions. As the situation evolves, regulatory frameworks will likely continue to adapt, shaping the future of data protection in the crypto space.
