Indonesia suspends World operations after concerns for data collection

The Indonesian government alleges that World It presents certain irregularities in the processes of registration and collection of biometric data, so the permission to operate in the country was removed.

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• The Indonesian government revoked the electronic registration certificate of World and Worldid.
• The measure responds to concerns for improper use of licenses and possible improper data management.
• It joins a series of global regulatory actions against the project backed by Sam Altman.

The Indonesian Government has suspended the operations of the Biometric Verification and Digital Identity World Operations, led by the OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman.

According to recent reports, the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) made the decision to freeze the registration certificate as an electronic system operator (TDPSE) of Worl -The known as WorldCoin- and its associated service, Worldid, citing serious regulatory irregularities.

Government responds to citizen complaints for suspicious use of data

The decision was officially communicated by Alexander Sabar, general director of Supervision of the Komdigi digital space. According to the official, The suspension responds to a series of complaints from the public that alerted about suspicious practices around the collection of personal data through ocular scanning devices.

Sabar pointed out that PT. Terang Bullan Abadi, the company allegedly in charge of operating the physical services of World In Indonesia, it did not have the necessary legal registry as an electronic systems provider, which violates national regulations.

Besides, World would have been operating under the license of another entity, PT. Sandina Abadi Nusantarawhich generated suspicions of legal impersonation and possible inappropriate management of sensitive information.

Under him Government Regulation No. 71 of 2019 on electronic systems and transactions, and Ministerial Regulations No. 10 of 2021, All companies that provide digital services in Indonesia must be properly registered, identified and responsible for their public activities.

“Failure to comply with the registration obligations and the use of the identity of another legal entity to provide digital services is a serious violation,” Sabar said.

This preventive measure reflects the indonesian government’s commitment to the protection of its citizens against possible digital abuses, especially with regard to the use of biometric data, an increasingly sensitive issue globally.

World Face international blockages

The Indonesian case is not isolated. Since its launch, World It has been subject to multiple regulatory actions in different countries. Its Iris scanning identification system, in exchange for cryptocurrencies, has generated serious privacy concerns, especially in regions with weak legal frameworks.

In August 2023, Kenya suspended project operations after reports that thousands of citizens had exchanged their biometric data for approximately USD $ 55 payments. Subsequently, in March 2024, the data protection authorities of Spain and Portugal ordered the immediate cessation of the collection and elimination of the data collected.

In Spain, the National Court confirmed the suspension when considering that World violated the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union.

In addition, the project has paused its activities in South Korea, Hong Kong and other jurisdictions for similar reasons, which demonstrates a growing trend of distrust by regulators.

A bridge to the global economy or a risk for vulnerable countries?

World It is presented as a global experiment to foster digital and economic inclusion, offering tokens WLD free in exchange for unique identity tests. It alleges that its technology respects the privacy of users, while allowing access to financial benefits.

However, critics warn that offering economic incentives to collect biometric data, especially in developing countries, represents a significant ethical risk. The asymmetry of power and the lack of digital education in these regions can cause their citizens to deliver data without understanding the long -term consequences.

Recently, World He announced his official arrival in the US, so they are already scanning new users at the local level. This constitutes a great achievement for the project, especially in the face of the challenges facing other latitudes. It also highlights the possible arrival of Token to Coinbase, as well as other alliances.

The measure adopted by Indonesia reflects this global dilemma: how to balance technological innovation with the urgent need to protect the privacy and autonomy of individuals?

For now, World It faces an increasingly restrictive reality in its attempt to expand worldwide, and the Indonesian case could mark an important precedent for other Southeast Asian governments.

Written article with the help of an AI content editor, edited by Angel Di Matteo / Diariobitcoin

Original image of Diariobitcoin, created with artificial intelligence, for free use, licensed under public domain.

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