Indonesia Temporarily Halts Worldcoin & World ID Operations Over Data Privacy Concerns

Indonesia has suspended Worldcoin and World ID activities, citing public data privacy concerns and regulatory review. Investigations into biometric data handling are underway.

Indonesia Suspends Worldcoin and World ID Amid Privacy Concerns

Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo) has announced the temporary suspension of Worldcoin and World ID operations across the country. The decision, made in early 2025, follows mounting concerns over how the project collects and stores sensitive biometric data from users, including iris scans.

Worldcoin, co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, offers users a “digital identity” through biometric registration in exchange for cryptocurrency. However, Indonesia's authorities have raised red flags about the lack of transparency in data handling, storage practices, and consent mechanisms.

According to Kominfo, the suspension will remain in place until a comprehensive investigation is completed by the Personal Data Protection Task Force. This includes involvement from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN), and law enforcement.

“We prioritize citizens’ personal data and privacy rights. Until there’s regulatory clarity and assurance of compliance, operations must pause,” said a Kominfo spokesperson.

Indonesia joins several other countries, including Kenya and France, in expressing skepticism or halting Worldcoin’s activities due to similar data protection concerns. With increasing scrutiny around global biometric-based ID systems, this move reflects Indonesia’s stance on digital ethics and sovereignty.

The future of Worldcoin in Southeast Asia’s largest digital economy remains uncertain. For now, all biometric registration and promotional activities by Worldcoin in Indonesia have been ordered to stop.