Tag: World Coin News

In a landmark victory for digital privacy rights, the U.S.-based cryptocurrency project Worldcoin has permanently deleted all biometric data previously harvested from Kenyan citizens. The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) confirmed that the data controller scrapped the records in compliance with a May 2025 High Court order, which ruled that the information had been collected unlawfully and demanded its total erasure from the company’s global databases.

​The project, co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, initially launched in Kenya in mid-2023 with the ambitious goal of creating a decentralized global currency and a universal digital identity. However, the rollout was quickly overshadowed by intense scrutiny from Kenyan authorities. The verification process required users to have their irises scanned by a specialized device known as the “Orb” in exchange for a “World ID.” To incentivize enrollment, the company offered new members 25 free cryptocurrency tokens (WLD), valued at approximately $50 USD or Ksh 8,256 at the time of the launch.

​The mass collection of sensitive biodata at sites like the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) sparked immediate national security and privacy concerns. Critics and regulators questioned the long-term security of the biometric information and the ethics of offering financial incentives to a vulnerable public in exchange for permanent biological records. In response to these risks, the Kenyan government suspended Worldcoin’s operations, banning all activities associated with the project until a full investigation into its data-handling practices could be completed.

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​In a communiqué regarding the deletion, the ODPC affirmed that its office remains committed to strict enforcement of data protection laws. By ensuring that international data controllers are held accountable for non-compliance, the regulator aims to set a precedent for how foreign tech firms interact with the personal information of Kenyan netizens. While Worldcoin continues to operate in other global markets, its retreat and the subsequent data purge in Kenya mark a significant moment in the country’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the digital sovereignty of its citizens.

The Kenyan government has launched investigations into the operations of Worldcoin, a cryptocurrency company, following concerns over data privacy and security.

The government said that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is interrogating two Kenyan nationals associated with Worldcoin, Emmanuel Otieno and Rael Mwende.

The two Kenyans are local marketing representatives of the international cryptocurrency company. Otieno was in charge of the operations of the company while Mwende was identified as the overall country manager.

The government said that the preliminary investigations reveal that Worldcoin has hired a company in Kenya called Sense Marketing to do the data capture for them in the country.

The government is also investigating a foreign national, Piotr Tczyk, who is connected to Worldcoin. Tczyk has entered Kenya on several occasions, the last one being in June 2023.

The ongoing criminal investigations are aimed at verifying the authenticity and legality of Worldcoin’s activities, as well as the safety and intended use of harvested data.

The government said that it is committed to protecting the privacy and security of Kenyans’ data. It said that it will take appropriate action against anyone found to be in violation of the law.

The investigations into Worldcoin come at a time when there is growing concern about the use of biometric data by cryptocurrency companies. Biometric data, such as iris scans and fingerprints, can be used to identify people and track their movements.

There are concerns that biometric data could be used for illegal purposes, such as identity theft or fraud. The Kenyan government is taking a proactive approach to ensuring that biometric data is used in a safe and secure manner.

The registration of Kenyans into the newest cryptocurrency in town, Worldcoin, was halted on Tuesday over security concerns.

A credible source told Mpasho that the registration was halted after police intervened and asked the team in charge to turn away Kenyans. Police were also forced to drive away the large number of Kenyans who had shown up at KICC.

The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) had warned Kenyans against joining the cryptocurrency, saying that it requires a demonstration of proper safeguards under the Data Protection Act, 2019.

Despite the warnings, long queues were witnessed at KICC on Tuesday, with people from different parts of the country rushing to be part of the new Crypto technology.

Those joining Worldcoin are given 25 WLD tokens, which are equivalent to Sh7,786. The tokens are awarded after scanning one’s iris.

The registration was halted at around 1:30 pm, and the team in charge was asked to look for a larger location, such as Nyayo or Kasarani Stadiums, where the exercise could be carried out with less security issues.

It is unclear when the registration will resume.