The Orb is open-source and verifies an individual is a unique human using iris imaging technology. The iris image is encoded and encrypted directly on the Orb to create unique, anonymous numeric codes to distinguish humans from robots in the age of AI.
Tools for Humanity was using the Orb to collect data to verify humanness among Kenyans and paying them around $40 for their Iris data via Worldcoin, its cryptocurrency coin.
In a notice dated Jan. 20, the ODPC said the deletion was verified through a comprehensive compliance audit under the Data Protection Act, 2019.
“Regarding the processing of Kenyans’ personal data by Tools for Humanity, we confirm that the data controller has deleted all biometric data previously collected from Kenyan citizens,” the commission said.
Worldcoin faced scrutiny after thousands of Kenyans exchanged iris scans for digital tokens, prompting a multi-agency probe and government intervention.
The regulator said the move sets a precedent for multinational digital firms operating in Kenya and underscores the enforcement of Section 25 of the Data Protection Act on personal data privacy.
Worldcoin has expressed interest in resuming operations under a revised framework, but any future data processing will be subject to strict compliance with Kenyan law, the ODPC added.
Kenya is also preparing tighter rules on cross-border data transfers, expected to be discussed at the Data Privacy Conference 2026 in Mombasa.
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