In a landmark decision for digital privacy in Africa, Kenya’s High Court has ruled against Sam Altman’s Worldcoin project, ordering the company to delete all biometric data collected from Kenyan users and halting any further biometric data collection within the country.
The court determined that Worldcoin’s collection and processing of sensitive personal data — including iris scans, violated constitutional privacy rights and did not adhere to Kenya’s data protection laws. The ruling sets a significant precedent for how emerging biometric and crypto identity technologies are handled under national legal frameworks.
Court’s Decision: Key Takeaways
- All previously collected biometric data from Kenyan citizens must be permanently deleted.
- Worldcoin is barred from resuming any biometric data collection in Kenya until it complies with local data laws.
- The judgment emphasized the right to privacy and informed consent, citing inadequate disclosures during registration.
- The court criticized Worldcoin for operating in a regulatory gray zone under the guise of innovation.
Background: Worldcoin’s Controversial Rise
Worldcoin, co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, aims to provide a universal digital identity using iris scanning orbs in exchange for cryptocurrency rewards. While the project has gained global traction, it has also drawn scrutiny for the ethical implications of biometric collection — particularly in developing nations, where incentives like free tokens can influence user consent.
In Kenya, Worldcoin had quickly onboarded hundreds of thousands of users before authorities suspended its operations in mid-2023, citing concerns over data sovereignty and user protection.
Data Privacy vs. Tech Innovation
The ruling has been welcomed by privacy advocates who argue that biometric data — especially iris scans — are highly sensitive and non-replaceable, making their mishandling uniquely risky.
“This is a win for every Kenyan and sets a global precedent,” said Grace Mutua, a legal adviser at Kenya’s Digital Rights Coalition. “You can’t allow global tech projects to exploit weak governance frameworks and treat citizens as test subjects.”
Kenya’s Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) previously raised red flags over Worldcoin’s unclear data handling practices, prompting investigations that led to this legal challenge.
Worldcoin Responds
Worldcoin’s parent company, Tools for Humanity, issued a brief statement expressing disappointment with the court’s decision but said it will comply with the ruling while reviewing its legal options.
The company maintains that its identity verification process is secure, voluntary, and intended to support financial inclusion through verified digital identities.
Global Implications
This court ruling may influence how other countries, especially in Africa and Southeast Asia, regulate biometric identity tools tied to blockchain or crypto ecosystems. Experts say the decision could prompt greater regulatory scrutiny of similar projects and force companies to adopt higher privacy standards when operating internationally.
Conclusion
Kenya’s firm legal stance signals a growing demand for data dignity and sovereign oversight in the age of AI and blockchain. As digital identity becomes increasingly tied to financial access, this case reminds the tech world that innovation must not come at the cost of fundamental human rights.