A Kenyan court has ordered Sam Altman's World project to delete all biometric data collected in the country due to privacy violations. The ruling, issued on May 5, 2025, by Judge Aburili Roselyne, marks a significant legal setback for the digital identification initiative, which has faced increasing scrutiny over its data collection practices.
The court determined that World had collected biometric data without obtaining proper consent from the data protection agency and had used electronic money to entice users, thereby violating the principle of informed consent. This decision is seen as a victory for privacy advocates in Kenya and around the world, highlighting the importance of protecting individual rights in the digital age.
Joshua Malidzo Nyawa, an advisor at the Katiba Institute, expressed that the ruling is a crucial step forward for privacy rights in Kenya. "Privacy is a constitutional right, and violations can occur if proper processes are not followed," he stated, emphasizing the illegality of consent obtained through monetary inducements.
World, which has rebranded from its original name, Worldcoin, utilizes eyeball scanning technology to verify identities and issue a 'world ID' in exchange for WLD tokens. However, the court's ruling mandates the World Foundation to delete all biometric data collected without valid consent within seven days and prohibits any further data collection or processing without an appropriate assessment and consent.
The High Court's decision not only puts a halt to Worldcoin's operations in Kenya but also underscores the legal ramifications of its controversial practices. The court criticized the organization for violating the Data Protection Act of Kenya, 2019, and highlighted the need for compliance with data protection regulations.
The ruling came as a result of a judicial review requested by the Katiba Institute, which has been advocating for the enforcement of constitutional rights in the context of digital data collection. The court's order effectively nullifies Worldcoin's previous data collection efforts, emphasizing that all data collected from Kenyan users must be permanently deleted.
ICJ Kenya, an organization committed to protecting human rights, reiterated the court's message that constitutional rights, particularly privacy, must be upheld even amid technological advancements. They noted that Worldcoin began collecting data without valid consent from the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) and failed to conduct the necessary Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA).
This legal challenge follows nearly two years after the Katiba Institute filed its lawsuit in August 2023, raising concerns about the legality of Worldcoin's data collection methods. Nyawa, who led the case, has called for accountability and adherence to the law, especially given the sensitive nature of biometric data.
Worldcoin's data collection process has attracted significant criticism. The organization offered Kenyan citizens $50 worth of WLD tokens in exchange for voluntarily scanning their irises with an Orb device, essentially binding them to the collection of their biometric data. Critics argue that this incentivization undermines the legitimacy of user consent, failing to meet Kenya's legal standards for data protection.
In the wake of the court's ruling, the sentiment among investors has shifted, with Worldcoin's native token (WLD) dropping nearly 10% in value over the past 24 hours. As of May 6, 2025, WLD was trading at approximately $0.88, reflecting the growing concerns surrounding the project's future.
Furthermore, the implications of this ruling may extend beyond Kenya. Similar concerns have arisen in other jurisdictions, leading to regulatory suspensions in places like Indonesia, where authorities halted Worldcoin's activities due to potential violations of data protection laws.
Despite the mounting opposition, Worldcoin continues to expand its operations in the United States, recently launching in six cities, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. However, the backlash from legal challenges and privacy advocates could pose significant hurdles for the project moving forward.
The Kenyan court's ruling serves as a reminder of the critical need for compliance with data protection laws and the importance of safeguarding individual rights in the digital landscape. As technology continues to evolve, so too must the frameworks that govern its use, ensuring that privacy remains a fundamental right.
As the World project navigates its legal challenges, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how it adapts to the changing regulatory environment and addresses the concerns raised by privacy advocates. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how biometric data is handled globally, influencing the future of digital identification initiatives.
The court's decision is a resounding call for organizations to prioritize user consent and transparency in their data collection practices. The legal landscape surrounding digital privacy is rapidly evolving, and companies must be vigilant in adhering to existing laws to avoid similar pitfalls.
In conclusion, the Kenyan court's ruling against Worldcoin underscores the growing importance of privacy rights in the digital age and highlights the need for organizations to operate within the bounds of the law. As the debate over data protection continues, it is clear that the protection of individual rights must remain at the forefront of technological advancements.