Data Commissioner: Worldcoin did not reveal true intentions during registration

Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait. [Boniface Okendo,Standard]

Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait has revealed that Tools for Humanity, Worldcoin's parent company, did not reveal its true intentions during registration.

Kassait's sentiments come hours after Interior CS Kithure Kindiki suspended Worldcoin operations in the country, citing security threats.

In an interview with Ktn News on Wednesday night, Kassait stated that the Data Protection Commission found out the company was collecting personal data, contrary to what it had stated during registration.

"We did a spot-check on Worldcoin and realized the information they were collecting was not in line with what we allowed. In May [2023], we wrote a letter asking them to stop taking personal data," said Kassait.

Kassait further explained the registration process, stating that filling out an online form does not guarantee compliance with the data act.

She clarified that a license is given to a data operator or controller only after their compliance with the law is verified.

Kassait mentioned that the data commission issued a letter of cessation to the company, particularly concerning the processing of personal data, such as the iris.

"That letter has never been revoked; we are in the process of investigating. You cannot claim it is on a consent basis and then keep changing your stance. Today, you say it is lawful; we say no. Tomorrow, you say it is a legitimate interest; we say no. You are not clear about what you are doing? Why are you inducing people to give you their consent?" she asserted.

Kassait stressed that individuals giving their data to companies should be given the space to make informed and voluntary decisions.

She also added that the data protection commission was working on providing guidance to security firms on how to properly collect personal data.

Before the interview, Kassait and Communications Authority Director-General Ezra Chiloba jointly issued a statement raising regulatory concerns about Worldcoin's operation in the country.