Indonesia’s tech regulators have intensified scrutiny on OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s biometric crypto project, Worldcoin (now known as “World”), suspending its operations over allegations of regulatory misconduct.
On May 4, the Ministry of Communications and Digital (Kominfo) announced it had revoked the Electronic System Operator Certificate (TDPSE) registrations for both World and its companion service, World ID. The suspension follows a preliminary probe into Worldcoin’s local rollout, uncovering legal violations by affiliated entities.
Officials say PT Terang Bulan Abadi—tied to World ID’s deployment—was operating without the mandatory certification. More concerning, however, is the allegation that Worldcoin’s services were conducted under the license of a different company, PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara, raising concerns of misrepresentation under Indonesian law.
Kominfo has summoned both firms for clarification and urged the public to submit complaints or observations as part of the ongoing investigation. The move follows similar regulatory pushback in Kenya, Germany, France, and Argentina, where biometric data collection and transparency concerns have drawn significant criticism.
Officials Warn of Legal Shortcuts in Digital Licensing
Alexander Sabar, Kominfo’s Director General for Digital Supervision, confirmed that Worldcoin services were listed under the TDPSE certificate of PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara—an entity unrelated to Worldcoin’s primary operations.
“Worldcoin services are recorded using TDPSE in the name of another legal entity, namely PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara,” Sabar stated.
“Noncompliance with registration obligations and the use of the identity of another legal entity to carry out digital services is a serious violation.”
This tactic, officials say, not only breaches Indonesian digital law but also calls into question the project’s operational transparency and intent.
Indonesia Calls for Vigilance in Ongoing Biometrics Debate
As regulatory scrutiny deepens, Indonesia has framed the suspension as a preventive measure designed to protect public safety and digital sovereignty. Alexander Sabar reiterated the government’s commitment to secure and transparent digital operations, especially in sensitive sectors like biometrics.
“We urge the public to remain alert to unauthorized digital services and report any suspicious activities through our official complaint channels,” Sabar said, calling for community involvement alongside government action.
Public sentiment remains divided. Some citizens support the suspension as a necessary safeguard, while others argue that Worldcoin’s biometric-for-token incentives offered much-needed financial relief. One Reddit user commented:
“If giving up your iris biometrics means you can feed your loved ones for a few weeks, that might be a trade worth making. In the end, it all depends on what matters most to you.”
Quick Facts
- Indonesia has suspended Worldcoin’s World ID due to licensing violations.
- PT Terang Bulan Abadi lacked the required TDPSE certification.
- Worldcoin used another company’s registration certificate, breaching Indonesian law.
- The case underscores the importance of biometric data compliance and digital oversight.
