ODPC cautions public over WorldCoin

Nairobi

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

by Michael Omondi

The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) has called for increased vigilance from the public as it continues to engage with WorldCoin to ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2019.

WorldCoin is an iris biometric cryptocurrency project developed by San Francisco and Berlin-based Tools for Humanity, a company registered as a data processor by ODPC, which processes activities of iris data through an orb.

The project, which was launched on Monday July 24, awards users with free tokens, referred to as WLD, once they verify their humanity by scanning their eyeballs using machines located in specified places around the world including Kenya.

Users can then transfer these tokens to official crypto exchanges, like Binance, and use them to buy other cryptocurrencies, which can be cashed out through liquidity agents on those platforms or sold to other users which begets free money that has seen Nairobi residents witness the mammoth crowd thronging Quickmart outlets and KICC (Kenyatta International Convention Centre) for a piece of the pie.

Currently, the value of the first free 25 WLD tokens would translate to approximately Sh7,786.

The ODPC has issued a statement that it is aware of the launch of WorldCoin and that the latter is processing sensitive personal data in a manner that requires a demonstration of proper safeguards under the Data Protection Act, 2019.

The Act gives the office functions and powers to conduct assessments and request information to ascertain whether personal data is processed in accordance with the said Act.

As the ODPC conducts its assessment of WorldCoin’s practices to ensure compliance with the law, the statement read, Kenyans are urged to ensure that they receive proper information before disclosing any personal or sensitive data.

Individuals are also advised to thoroughly inquire about how their data will be used.

Commenting on the issue, Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait reaffirmed the office’s commitment to promoting data privacy and security in Kenya.

Kassait maintained that it is the responsibility of data controllers to ensure that personal data is processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

“Failure to do so not only puts individuals’ privacy at risk but also exposes an organization to legal and reputational consequences,” she remarked.

The ODPC is committed to ensuring that entities processing personal data in Kenya comply with the Data Protection Act, 2019 and the office will continue to engage with organizations to promote compliance with the law and protect the privacy of Kenyans.

Courtesy ;K. N. A