The High Court of Kenya has ordered the deletion of biometric data collected by Sam Altman’s blockchain project, World.
JUDGMENT: High Court safeguards the right to privacy
Today, Lady Justice Aburili Roselyne has allowed our Judicial Review Application, where we challenged the collection, processing, and transfer of iris and facial images (biometric data) using the World Coin App and the Orb… https://t.co/7SisPV7ZCd
— Katiba Institute (@katibainstitute) May 5, 2025
According to the Katiba Institute, Judge Aburili Roselyne deemed the information collection a violation of the right to privacy.
The project is required to destroy all biometric data, including iris scans and facial images, within seven days. The process will be overseen by the Data Protection Commissioner. The court also prohibited World from continuing biometric data collection in the country.
The lawsuit against the project was filed by human rights organizations Katiba Institute and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Kenya.
“Even in the digital age, constitutional rights, including privacy, remain inviolable,” stated the ICJ.
WorldCoin Case Judgment: The Court affirmed that WorldCoin commenced data collection without valid consent from the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) and without conducting the required DPIA, in breach of Sections 25, 26, 29, 30, and 31 of the Data Protection Act,… pic.twitter.com/JwmwTn5CJd
— ICJ Kenya (@ICJKenya) May 5, 2025
Authorities in the United Kingdom, Germany, Argentina, Colombia, Singapore, and Kenya have shown interest in World’s activities related to biometric data collection.