Indonesia’s Ministry of Communications and Digital (Komdigi) has temporarily suspended the Electronic System Operator Registration Certificate (TDPSE) for Worldcoin and WorldID, citing suspicious activities and regulatory violations. The decision follows reports that Worldcoin’s local operators, PT Terang Bulan Abadi and PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara, may have failed to comply with electronic system operation regulations.
Worldcoin, co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, uses biometric data to verify user identities, allowing them to conduct transactions using a World ID. However, concerns over data privacy and regulatory compliance have led to scrutiny in multiple countries, including Hong Kong, Kenya, Spain, and Portugal.
Regulatory Concerns Over Digital Identity Services
According to Alexander Sabar, Director General for Digital Supervision, PT Terang Bulan Abadi was allegedly operating without a TDPSE, while PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara was using another entity’s registration to provide services. This legal misrepresentation is considered a serious violation under Indonesian law.
The suspension is a preventive measure to mitigate risks to the public, ensuring that digital service providers comply with national regulations. Komdigi has summoned Worldcoin’s local subsidiaries to clarify their operations and address concerns regarding unauthorized digital services.
Worldcoin’s iris-scanning technology has raised concerns about user privacy and digital security, particularly as more Indonesians engage with the platform. The Indonesian government is committed to overseeing the digital ecosystem fairly and firmly, ensuring that biometric data collection adheres to strict legal standards.
This suspension follows similar actions taken by Germany, Kenya, and Brazil, where regulators have expressed concerns over data protection and the security of biometric information. The Indonesian government urges the public to remain vigilant against unauthorized digital services and report any suspected violations.
Shogun Lin
