Nairobi, 6 May 2025: Amnesty International Kenya welcomes the High Court’s decision unequivocally declaring Worldcoin’s operations in Kenya illegal and order to delete all biometric data collected unlawfully. This judgment marks a significant milestone in the protection of data privacy and digital rights in Kenya. It affirms and sends a message to other corporate and state agencies that Kenyans’ personal data cannot be commodified under the guise of innovation.
In 2023, Amnesty International Kenya raised concerns about the predatory nature of Worldcoin’s mass biometric data collection, which targeted vulnerable communities under the promise of financial inclusion. The company harvested sensitive biometric data (iris scans) without obtaining meaningful, informed consent and ensuring transparency and accountability, as required by the Data Protection Act (2019).
This ruling validates the sustained public concern, civil society advocacy, and investigative journalism that exposed Worldcoin’s exploitative practices. The court’s directive to delete all unlawfully obtained biometric data is not just a legal necessity but a critical act of restoring data subject rights and reaffirming human dignity in the digital age.
As Kenya continues to position itself as the Silicon Savannah and leader in digital innovation and digital public infrastructure, this ruling serves as a reminder that the right to privacy is non-negotiable. The High Court decision also highlights the urgent need for greater public awareness and understanding of the Data Protection Act, so that all Kenyans can meaningfully assert their rights and resist exploitative data practices.
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