Worldcoin Ordered to Delete Biometric Data in Kenya
May 10, 2025 — Nairobi, Kenya
In a landmark ruling, a Kenyan court has ordered the global cryptocurrency project Worldcoin to delete biometric data collected from Kenyan citizens. The court cited significant privacy concerns and the lack of proper consent mechanisms as the primary reasons for its decision, marking a major setback for the controversial digital currency initiative.
Worldcoin, which seeks to create a global digital identity system by collecting biometric data, including eye scans, from individuals in exchange for free tokens, has come under scrutiny in several countries. In Kenya, the company’s data collection practices were questioned by privacy advocates and regulatory authorities, prompting a legal challenge.
The court ruling follows complaints from individuals and civil society groups who argued that Worldcoin’s methods for gathering biometric information lacked transparency and failed to obtain informed consent from participants. Kenyan citizens who signed up for the Worldcoin program were reportedly not fully aware of the extent of data collection, how their data would be used, or how long it would be stored.
“The court has found that Worldcoin did not adequately explain to Kenyan citizens the nature of the biometric data collection or provide sufficient safeguards for their privacy rights,” said Justice Catherine Wanjiru in her ruling. “This violates both Kenyan data protection laws and international human rights standards.”
Worldcoin, which is backed by prominent figures in the tech industry, has been operating in Kenya for several months, encouraging users to scan their irises in exchange for access to its cryptocurrency. The program was promoted as a way to bring financial inclusion to people in emerging markets, including Kenya, where millions of people lack access to traditional banking services.
However, the project has raised alarms among privacy advocates who warn about the potential for biometric data to be misused or exploited. There have been concerns that Worldcoin’s system could be used for surveillance or tracking, and critics have pointed to the risks of storing sensitive biometric data without adequate security measures in place.
The Kenyan government has been increasing its focus on data privacy in recent years, with the introduction of the Data Protection Act, 2019, which set out clear guidelines for how personal data should be handled. The law requires companies to obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting, processing, or storing their personal data.
In light of the court’s ruling, Worldcoin is now required to erase all biometric data it collected from Kenyan users, and the company must also ensure that no further data is collected unless it complies with the legal requirements for consent and data protection.
“We respect the court’s decision and will take the necessary steps to ensure that we comply with the ruling,” a Worldcoin spokesperson said in a statement. “We remain committed to working with the relevant authorities to address privacy concerns and find a way forward that respects the rights of individuals while advancing financial inclusion.”
The ruling has set a precedent in Kenya, sending a clear message to both local and international companies about the importance of adhering to data protection laws and respecting citizens’ privacy. It also highlights the growing need for stronger regulation of digital technologies, especially those that involve sensitive personal information.
This case also raises broader concerns about the future of biometric-based systems for financial inclusion and identity verification. While proponents argue that such technologies can help improve access to banking services and secure online transactions, critics warn that without proper safeguards, they could lead to mass surveillance or the erosion of personal freedoms.
In the wake of the ruling, other countries are expected to closely monitor the situation, as Worldcoin’s operations and similar projects face increasing scrutiny over privacy and data protection issues. Kenyan authorities have signaled their intent to strengthen oversight of digital platforms and ensure that companies operating within the country adhere to local privacy laws.