The office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) has officially called for increased vigilance from the public as it continues to engage with Worldcoin to ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act of 2019.
Worldcoin is an open source crypto currency startup created to help give everyone access to the global economy. When signing up for Worldcoin, users must verifying their unique personhood at an Orb, a device that scans user biometric data. This could potentialy lead to infringement of user data and privacy.
The Data Protection Act of 2019 demands for Data Controllers and Processors to process data lawfully; minimise collection of data; restricts further processing of data; requires data controllers and processors to ensure data quality; and that they establish and maintain security safeguards to protect personal data.
Moreover, the Data Protection Act of 2019 gives the (ODPC) functions and power to conduct assessments and request for information to ascertain whether personal data is being proccessed acording to the act.
As the (ODPC) carries on with its assessment on Worldcoin, Kenyans are prompted to acquire more information before disclosing any personal or sensitive data.
Commenting on the issue, Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait reaffirmed the ODPC commitment on promoting data privacy security in Kenya.
” It is the responsibility of the data controllers to ensure that personal data in kenya complies with the Data Protection Act. Faliure to do so not only puts individual privacy at risk but also exposes an organisation to legal and reputational consequences, ” she remaked
