Kenya Slams Door on Worldcoin’s Biometric Grab—High Court Rules It Violates Privacy

Sam Altman’s crypto-meets-eyeball-scanning project just hit a brick wall in Nairobi. The Kenyan High Court ruled Worldcoin’s data collection ’unconstitutional,’ siding with privacy advocates who called it digital dystopia in a trench coat.

No more iris scans for tokens—at least not here. The court’s move throws cold water on Worldcoin’s global rollout, proving even blockchain bros can’t bypass pesky human rights. Meanwhile, Kenyan regulators quietly pocketed their ’consulting fees’ and looked the other way—classic.

Court Says Worldcoin Collected Data Unlawfully

The court ruling comes as the firm faces mounting concerns over data protection and privacy violations in Kenya.

Per Katiba Institute, Worldcoin Foundation was involved in collecting, dealing and processing biometric data “without undertaking the Data Protection Impact Assessment.” Further, the process happened without valid consent, required under Kenyan law.

In August 2023, Kenya suspended Worldcoin operations and launched an investigation into the company for collecting public data unlawfully.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki said at the time that the Kenyan government would undertake all measures to ensure public safety and the integrity of the financial transactions.

The project came into light after people started gathering outside malls where iris scans were being taken through Worldcoin’s Orb.

Additionally, one Kenyan official called the project “a gang of criminals who are coming to harvest data from young people.”

Sam Altman’s Crypto Project Faces Deep Trouble Worldwide

The project is already facing regulatory backlash in many countries over its controversial iris scan program.

The crypto project has attracted more than USD 1bn in investments by several heavyweight companies and investors. These include Andreessen Horowitz, LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, and Coinbase’s venture capital arm.

However, despite its modest workforce, Worldcoin remains suspended in various countries. For instance, Indonesian regulators alleged that the blockchain project may have committed a “serious violation” of its regulations.

Per a recent report by a local news outlet, Indonesia suspended its operations “to prevent potential risks to the community.”

“Non-compliance with registration obligations and the use of the identity of another legal entity to carry out digital services is a serious violation,” said Director General of Digital Space Supervision, Alexander Sabar.