Worldcoin stopped from collecting data from Kenyans

In order to prevent the Data Protection Commissioner’s office from collecting data on Kenyans, the High Court has prohibited cryptocurrency company Worldcoin from doing so.
In addition, Justice Prof. Nixon Sifuna ordered Worldcoin to hold onto the data it obtained from Kenyans between 19 April and 8 August while the State agency conducted it’s inquiry.
The office of the Data Commissioner filed a lawsuit in order to have Worldcoin’s data preserved, claiming that it is concerned that the company’s agents are storing personal data in their database at risk of loss, modification, deletion, transfer, or further processing that would violate the Act.
“That an order be and is hereby issued directing the respondents and it’s agents, representatives and employees, to preserve all data and sensitive personal data collected from Kenyans and Kenyan residents pertaining the operations of the project from 19 April  to 8 August, 2023,” the judge said.
In recent weeks, Worldcoin has stepped up it’s gathering of biometric data in Kenya by snapping pictures of an individual’s iris.
Kenyans will receive a KSh7,000 prize after having their irises scanned in exchange. According to Worldcoin, the information it is gathering will be utilized to develop a secure, one-of-a-kind form of identification.
Privacy experts, however, have expressed concern that the business might use the data in other ways, such individualized marketing.
In order for Kenyans to be aware of the decision, Justice Sifuna also ordered the Data Commissioner to publish the order in a newspaper.
The business, which is registered as Tools for Humanity Corporation along with Tools for Humanity GmbH and Sense Marketing Limited, has been sued by the state agency.
A examination of the Worldcoin project indicated that the processing of personal data does not follow the principles of data protection as set out in section 25 of the Act, according to Mr. Oscar Otieno, the deputy data commissioner in charge of complaints, investigations, and enforcement.
In an affidavit submitted to the court, Mr. Otieno stated. According to Worldcoin’s website, the project aims to create universal access to the global economy regardless of location or background.
The cryptocurrency claimed that it was created with the intention of growing into the biggest financial and human identification network in the world and granting ownership to everyone.
“That in order to conduct a proper and comprehensive investigations of the respondents’ Worldcoin project, the applicant seeks to ascertain the availability, status and or security of the Kenyan data subjects’ personal data and sensitive personal data that forms the substratum of the investigations,” Mr Otieno added.
The Worldcoin Project allegedly proceeded to handle data after being told to stop by the CS Interior Prof Kithure Kindiki, according to Mr. Otieno.
According to Prof. Kindiki, the ban will last until assurances about the security and reliability of financial transactions are given.
“The government has suspended forthwith activities of Worldcoin and any other entity that may be similarly engaging the people of Kenya until relevant public agencies certify the absence of any risks to the general public whatsoever,” the statement by the CS said.
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