Ministry of Communication Reveals Worldcoin Has Been Collecting Indonesian Citizens' Retina Data Since 2021
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) has disclosed that Worldcoin has been collecting retina data of Indonesian citizens since 2021. However, its operator, known as Tools for Humanity (TFH), was only registered as a foreign private Electronic System Organiser (PSE) in 2025.
Alexander Sabar, the Director General of Digital Space Oversight at Komdigi, clarified that Tools for Humanity is responsible for overseeing WorldCoin, WorldID, and World App.
"Tools for Humanity was only registered in 2025. That's why we are investigating. They have been collecting data since 2021, but TFH itself was only registered in 2025," Alex explained during a statement at his office in Central Jakarta on Friday, 9 May 2025.
He further noted that Komdigi's role is limited to issuing the Electronic System Organiser Registration Certificate (TDPSE). However, he pointed out that business permits fall outside his ministry's jurisdiction.
"As for other permits, I might be mistaken in explaining them. I've seen letters regarding business permits, which seem to come from the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM). I'm not sure about that; it's related to another permit," he said.
Since its operation began, TFH claimed to have collected over 500,000 retina data records from Indonesian citizens. However, Alex mentioned that they do not yet know the purpose of such retina data.
"They have collected more than 500,000 retina and retina code from users in Indonesia," said Alex.
Komdigi previously temporarily froze the permits of WorldCoin and WorldID after receiving reports from the public. Komdigi also summoned TFH representatives on Wednesday, 7 May 2025 to request an explanation regarding their business, including the activity of scanning retina data with the lure of hundreds of thousands of rupiah.
"To request a deep explanation on various operational and legal compliance aspects of WorldApp, WorldCoin, and WorldID services," said Alex.
From the summons, various facts have begun to emerge. Currently, Komdigi is following up on the clarifications obtained from TFH.
"This is still a process, we are currently investigating. We will wait for the time to process the data we obtained from TFH itself, including their local partners," said Alex.
Alexander Sabar, the Director General of Digital Space Oversight at Komdigi, clarified that Tools for Humanity is responsible for overseeing WorldCoin, WorldID, and World App.
"Tools for Humanity was only registered in 2025. That's why we are investigating. They have been collecting data since 2021, but TFH itself was only registered in 2025," Alex explained during a statement at his office in Central Jakarta on Friday, 9 May 2025.
He further noted that Komdigi's role is limited to issuing the Electronic System Organiser Registration Certificate (TDPSE). However, he pointed out that business permits fall outside his ministry's jurisdiction.
"As for other permits, I might be mistaken in explaining them. I've seen letters regarding business permits, which seem to come from the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM). I'm not sure about that; it's related to another permit," he said.
Since its operation began, TFH claimed to have collected over 500,000 retina data records from Indonesian citizens. However, Alex mentioned that they do not yet know the purpose of such retina data.
"They have collected more than 500,000 retina and retina code from users in Indonesia," said Alex.
Komdigi previously temporarily froze the permits of WorldCoin and WorldID after receiving reports from the public. Komdigi also summoned TFH representatives on Wednesday, 7 May 2025 to request an explanation regarding their business, including the activity of scanning retina data with the lure of hundreds of thousands of rupiah.
"To request a deep explanation on various operational and legal compliance aspects of WorldApp, WorldCoin, and WorldID services," said Alex.
From the summons, various facts have begun to emerge. Currently, Komdigi is following up on the clarifications obtained from TFH.
"This is still a process, we are currently investigating. We will wait for the time to process the data we obtained from TFH itself, including their local partners," said Alex.