Global Scrutiny Hits Worldcoin: Indonesia Suspends, Kenya Orders Data Deletion

While the nationwide launch of the iris-scanning activities of World in the Philippines was recently announced, the initiative and the blockchain project’s digital identity platform, World ID, have been temporarily suspended in its Southeast Asian neighboring country, Indonesia.

The suspension was announced by Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital, locally known as Kementerian Komunikasi dan Digital, the authoritative body responsible for communications, information affairs, and internet censorship in the country, citing registration problems and potential breaches of local electronic system regulations.

World Faces Temporary Suspension in Indonesia

In a statement on May 4, 2025, the authorities noted the issues with the project’s failure to register as an official Electronic System Organizer and pointed out that operations were conducted under a different company’s license, raising compliance red flags.

Alexander Sabar, the director general of Digital Space Supervision of the Ministry of Communication and Digital, explained that, following public complaints, the action is a precautionary measure designed to safeguard the public from any potential risks associated with unregistered digital service providers.

Consequently, the authoritative body will summon World’s local partners, PT Terang Bulan Abadi and PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara, for further clarification. It was because PT Terang Bulan Abadi had failure to be registered even though World’s service was using PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara’s credentials.

“Non-compliance with registration requirements and the use of another legal entity’s identity to operate digital services is a serious violation.”

Alexander Sabar, Director General, Digital Space Supervision, Ministry of Communication and Digital
[The statement was translated in English.]

World Ordered to Delete Biometric Data in Kenya

In addition to Indonesia’s move, Kenya’s local media outlet, Kenyans.co.ke, reported that the country’s High Court ruled World’s activities illegal and ordered the World Foundation to delete all biometric data collected from Kenyans within seven days, under the supervision of the data protection commissioner.

The May 5, 2025, ruling, issued by Justice Aburili Roselyne, also barred the organization from collecting or processing any further biometric data, stating that its actions violated privacy rights and Kenya’s Data Protection Act.

The case was brought by the Katiba Institute, which challenged the legality of World’s iris and facial data collection via its app and scanning device, the Orb.

The ruling follows World’s controversial 2023 registration campaign in Nairobi, which was suspended by the government due to public safety concerns.

To join World, users must download the World App and verify their identity by visiting an Orb device, which scans their iris to generate a unique World ID. After verification, participants receive $WLD, the platform’s native token.

Aside from Indonesia and Kenya, there are also other countries that have banned, investigated, or raised regulatory concerns over World’s iris-scanning activities due to potential violations of data protection and privacy laws. These countries include Spain, Hong Kong, Germany, Brazil, Colombia, India, and South Korea.

World’s Activities in the Philippines

World’s iris-scanning operations have been active in the Philippines, specifically in the Bulacan province, since January, beginning in the municipality of Bulakan and gradually expanding across different municipalities. Developer Tools for Humanity confirmed the initiative is part of a “closed beta” program.

After three months of activity, the company announced plans to expand the identity verification system nationwide, starting with a pilot in two cities within Metro Manila.

In March, the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission clarified that World is not registered in the country, warning the public to transact only with registered entities.

In February, the National Privacy Commission clarified that it does not approve or clear data processing activities, but issues registration certificates under the Data Privacy Act.

Meanwhile, World’s legal counsel, Atty. Enrique Dela Cruz, stated that participation in the iris-scanning program is voluntary, no personal identity data is collected or stored, and that Tools for Humanity is registered with the NPC.

On the other hand, in a recent BitPinas webcast, web3 leaders Eliezer Rabadon and Jopet Arias raised ethical and timing concerns over World’s nationwide iris-scanning rollout in the Philippines, warning that it may exploit vulnerable citizens—particularly during the sensitive election period—while calling on the government to ensure data protection and urging organizers to collaborate with the local web3 community for proper education. Despite acknowledging the project’s legitimacy, both emphasized the need for transparency, safeguards, and responsible rollout practices.

Currently, there are two available Orbs in the country, as listed on the World website. The first one is at Greenhills V-Mall in San Juan City, Metro Manila. The second one is at Casa Regina Resort and Events Place in Pulilan, Bulacan.

This article is published on BitPinas: Indonesia Halts Sam Altman’s Worldcoin Over Licensing Violations, “Serious” Legal Breach

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