TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Cyber law expert from the University of Indonesia (UI), Edmon Makarim, responded to the polemic surrounding the World App. This application promises Worldcoin or digital tokens that can be exchanged for cash by users after scanning their retinas.
Edmon agreed that the entrance of retina data has the potential for misuse. "It should be banned, as in other countries, for a relatively safer option," he said to Tempo via messaging applications on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
According to Cointelegraph, Spain became the first country to ban the collection of Worldcoin biometric data on March 18, 2024. Following that, on May 22, 2024, Hong Kong halted all Worldcoin operations within its jurisdiction.
Retina scans are a form of biometric authentication that rely on a person’s unique physical traits. Edmon explained that biometric data is inherently tied to an individual and, therefore, should be treated with utmost care.
"It should not be requested if there is no basis of necessity," said Edmon.
He further emphasized that the collection, storage, and use of biometric data must be strictly protected, with a higher level of security than general personal data.
Edmon referred to Law Number 27 of 2022 on Personal Data Protection (PDP Law), which in Article 4 paragraph (2) classifies biometric information as specific personal data.
In a related development, the Indonesian National Police (Polri) announced that they are investigating suspicious activities associated with the Worldcoin service. As the service requires users to scan their faces, authorities view it as a potential threat to public personal data.
"This is certainly a concern," said Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, Head of the Public Information Bureau of Polri, at the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri) building in Jakarta on Monday, May 5, 2025.
Trunoyudo noted that Polri would coordinate with various relevant institutions for the investigation. "Law enforcement processes cannot be separated from synergy," he said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) has suspended the Registration Certificate for Electronic System Providers (TDPSE) for both Worldcoin and WorldID. This action follows public reports of suspicious activity linked to the service.
"This freezing is a preventive step to prevent potential risks to the public," said Alexander Sabar, Director General of Digital Space Supervision at Komdigi, in an official statement released on Sunday, May 4, 2025.
Preliminary findings revealed that PT Terang Bulan Abadi is not registered as an Electronic System Provider (PSE) and does not possess a TDPSE, as mandated by law. The Worldcoin service is instead listed under another legal entity, PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara.
Komdigi will summon both PT Terang Bulan Abadi and PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara to clarify the suspected breach of electronic system provider regulations.
Alexander affirmed the ministry's commitment to monitoring the digital ecosystem firmly and fairly to safeguard the nation’s digital space. He also encouraged public involvement.
He called on citizens to contribute to a safe and reliable digital environment. "Ministry of Communication and Digital also urges the public to remain vigilant against unauthorized digital services and promptly report suspected violations through official channels for public complaints," said Alexander.
Hammam Izzuddin contributed to the writing of this article
Editor's Choice: Expert Raises Alarm on Crypto Scams, Biometric Leaks After Worldcoin Freeze
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Expert Raises Alarm on Crypto Scams, Biometric Leaks After Worldcoin Freeze
20 jam lalu
Expert also highlighted the prevalence of crypto-related fraud, citing the 2022 case of Doni Salmanan's binary option fraud.
Indonesia Suspends Sam Altman's Worldcoin, WorldID Operations Over Licensing Concerns
1 hari lalu
Komdigi temporarily suspends the operations of Worldcoin cryptocurrency and its WorldID system after receiving reports of suspicious activities on bo
Komdigi: 1.3m Online Gambling Contents Blocked Since Prabowo Assumes Office
1 hari lalu
The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has blocked around 1.3 million online gambling contents since October 20, 2024.
Indonesia Partners With University of Tokyo to Develop AI Curriculum Framework
6 hari lalu
Indonesia's Communication & Digital Ministry (Komdigi) is exploring a partnership to develop AI education curriculum with University of Tokyo.
Completion of AI Regulations Draft in Indonesia Targeted for 3rd Quarter of 2025
13 hari lalu
The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) is still speeding up the drafting of artificial intelligence (AI) regulations in Indonesia.
Bali's Digital Silence: Internet Off During Nyepi Day
40 hari lalu
Ministry of Communication & Digital (Komdigi) issues a circular to Bali Provincial Government to shut down the internet network during Nyepi Day.
China Poses Biggest Military, Cyber Threats to U.S., Intel Chiefs Say
40 hari lalu
China remains the top military and cyber threat to the U.S., according to a report by U.S. intelligence agencies.
Defense Ministry: Cyber Operations to Counter Threats to National Sovereignty
40 hari lalu
The Indonesian Military (TNI) will conduct information and disinformation operations to counter threats to national sovereignty in cyberspace.
Bali to Shut Down Telecom Network During Religious Nyepi Day
46 hari lalu
Komdigi has instructed all mobile operators to shut down the telecommunications network during the Bali Nyepi Day celebration.
Komdigi Shuts Down 1.3mn Gambling Sites and Porn Content Since October 2024
56 hari lalu
Komdigi also encourages public to report harmful content, including online gambling and pornographic content, via the official portal aduankonten.id.
