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Worldcoin, a cryptocurrency initiative co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has wiped all biometric information it previously collected from Kenyan users.
The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) confirmed that the company permanently erased data gathered from Kenyans through its platform in September 2023, in line with Kenyan data protection laws.
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The deletion followed High Court directives issued in May 2025, which ruled that the data had been collected illegally and ordered its complete removal from Worldcoin’s systems.
In a statement seen by media, the ODPC said the action demonstrates its commitment to enforcing data protection regulations and holding data handlers accountable for violations.
Worldcoin’s activities in Kenya were halted after it emerged that the firm had gathered biometric details from thousands of people, many of whom were offered $50 as an incentive.
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Launched globally on June 24, 2023, the project aims to create a dezentralised digital currency and identity system. However, its rollout in Kenya sparked widespread concern over privacy, data security and consent.
Participants were required to scan their eyes using a device known as an Orb to obtain a digital identity called World ID. The controversy deepened as users were also given free cryptocurrency tokens valued at about Sh8,256 at the time.
Following the outcry, the government suspended all Worldcoin-related operations in the country pending clearance by relevant authorities on security and data protection safeguards.
