A Kenya court has determined that global coin must erase illegally collecting biometric data from thousands of citizens in its Cryptocurrency-Linked Identity Project, a major regulatory pushback to local media outlets. Citizen Digital It has been reported.
The ruling raises concerns about data protection and privacy violations in the country’s short-lived but controversial businesses.
World Coin Data Breach:
The court orders global coins to delete data collected in Kenya
The court says the data was collected illegally
Data Commissioner oversees data deletion #citizenbriefs @jimkario pic.twitter.com/e4tlmumqoy
– Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) May 5, 2025
Deleting confidential biometric data
The decision covers the use of ORBs to scan an individual’s iris in exchange for $50 worth of cryptocurrency. The process occurred without valid consent and an approved Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA), according to regulators.
The Data Protection Commission (ODPC) office is reportedly overseeing the removal process. The regulator has issued a warning about the company’s handling of personal data, warning that ongoing processing could lead to misuse, erasure or alteration of Kenyan citizens’ biometric profiles.
Associate Data Commissioner Oscar Otieno has filed an affidavit in a court that argued that Worldcoin’s activities pose a risk to public safety. After reviewing the company’s methods, he concluded that the project was not safe for Kenyans and lacked adequate transparency.
No processing without rating and consent
The court’s decision also prohibited WorldCoin from processing any further data unless it enforces a full DPIA and secures valid consent based on information from users. Regulators argued that these were core requirements under the Data Protection Act, not optional procedures.
WorldCoin announced his return to Kenya in 2024, but the ruling complicates the plan. Co-founded by Tech Antrepreneur Sam Altman, Crypto Project aimed to resume and extend the registration of digital identity tools linked to blockchain-based incentives.
Now it must meet strict legal requirements before reopening domestic operations.
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