Indonesia Freezes Worldcoin Platform's License Over Biometric Data Concerns
Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital froze the license of Worldcoin's WorldID platform following public concerns about biometric data collection activities involving iris scanning in exchange for cryptocurrency tokens. The suspension raised questions about personal data protection, though Worldcoin's cryptocurrency asset remained listed as legal for trading in Indonesia's physical crypto market.
What happened
The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) froze the license of Worldcoin's WorldID platform and the Worldcoin service following public concern about biometric data collection activities in several locations across Bekasi and Jakarta.
Worldcoin, developed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman with Alex Blania and Max Novendstern, offers users free cryptocurrency tokens in exchange for iris scanning through a device called an Orb to create a World ID digital identity.
Reported impact
The biometric data collection raised concerns about personal data protection in Indonesia, with critics noting that iris scanning amounts to transfer of personal data to third parties.
Despite the license freeze and controversy over data protection, Worldcoin remained listed as a legal cryptocurrency asset for trading in Indonesia's physical crypto market under Indonesia's commodity trading regulator.
Governance controls
Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital has regulatory frameworks for Electronic System Operators (PSE) and Electronic System Operator Registration Marks (TDPSE) that apply to new technologies like Worldcoin.
The cryptocurrency regulatory body Bappebti (Commodity Futures Trading Supervisory Agency) maintains an approved list of cryptocurrencies that may be traded in Indonesia's physical crypto market.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.