World App Developer Tools for Humanity Only Registered as Electronic System Operator in Indonesia This Year
The developer of World App, Worldcoin, and World ID — Tools for Humanity — has only recently registered as an Electronic System Operator (PSE) with the Ministry of Communications and Informatics (Komdigi) this year, despite the US-based company having operated since 2021.
Tools for Humanity is a global technology firm based in the United States that develops World ID, a digital verification system designed to confirm a person's identity without collecting or storing personal data. Its Orb technology verifies users, whilst Worldcoin is a blockchain-based token enabling individuals, companies, application owners, and even governments to obtain incentives or conduct transactions within the network. World App is a super-application containing individual applications built by third-party developers.
"Regarding permits and business structure, those fall under other ministries or agencies. Komdigi's role relates to PSE and PSE Registration Certificates (TDPSE)," said Komdigi's Director General of Digital Space Supervision Alexander Sabar at his office in Jakarta on Friday (9 May).
"From the circulated letter regarding its business permit, it was obtained from BKPM, the Investment Coordinating Board," Alexander added. "I don't know what permit that pertains to. If it relates to the technology and its purpose, we are currently investigating further."
Alexander did not specify when the BKPM permit was granted. He only explained that Tools for Humanity had been operating since 2021, when BKPM was led by Bahlil Lahadalia. However, a BKPM press release stated that Tools for Humanity began operations in February 2025.
**World App Only Registered with Komdigi in 2025**
World App, Worldcoin, and World ID are managed by Tools for Humanity, a company founded by ChatGPT creator Sam Altman. The firm has two local partners in Indonesia: PT Terang Bulan Abadi and PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara.
Tools for Humanity operates in Indonesia under the name PT Terang Bulan Abadi. This company had not been registered as an Electronic System Operator and did not hold a TDPSE. Meanwhile, Worldcoin's services held a TDPSE under the name PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara.
Consequently, Komdigi has assessed that the company is reasonably suspected of failing to meet the requirements and compliance stipulated in regulations. The ministry is still investigating the iris data collection methods employed by Tools for Humanity and its two local partners, as well as how that data is used, ensuring compliance with the Personal Data Protection Law (UU PDP). Iris data, much like fingerprints, serves as a unique biometric identifier.
"If this data were used for negative purposes, for example harming those whose irises were scanned, it would pose a risk. Therefore, we are seeking to understand how the company's partners use the data," said Alexander.
**Tools for Humanity and BKPM Explore Digital Investment Cooperation**
The Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industries (BKPM) and Tools for Humanity Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 18 March 2025 to explore investment opportunities in Indonesia's digital sector. The cooperation focuses on facilitating Tools for Humanity's investment in the development and production of Orb, a specialised camera device used in the AI-based digital identity system, World ID.
Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstream Industries Todotua Pasaribu noted that the digital market is projected to reach US$130 billion in 2025, rising to an estimated US$360 billion by 2030.
"This demonstrates the importance of investment in this sector, including in artificial intelligence, which will make a significant contribution to national GDP," said Todotua in a press statement in March.
BKPM will provide support in facilitating the investment licensing process and helping the World App developer identify available incentives in accordance with prevailing regulations. In turn, the Worldcoin creator will identify local industry partners capable of supporting Orb production, invest in developing production facilities, and provide technical support and training for local partners.
Tools for Humanity's Chief Legal and Privacy Officer Damien Kieran highlighted Indonesia's significant potential within the global digital ecosystem and the company's commitment to supporting national technology industry growth.
"Indonesia is at the forefront of Asia's digital transformation, and under President Prabowo's vision and the leadership of Minister Rosan and Deputy Minister Todotua, the country is well positioned to further accelerate its role as a regional and global technology hub," said Kieran.
He acknowledged that the acceleration of the digital economy brings challenges such as increased risks of AI-based fraud, deepfakes, and identity theft. The World ID technology under development, supported by the Orb device, offers a privacy-based identity verification solution through unique iris scanning without storing personal data.
"With support from the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industries/BKPM, we are committed to exploring opportunities for Orb assembly in Indonesia, not only for the domestic market but also for the Southeast Asian region," he said.
The press release stated that Tools for Humanity commenced its presence in Indonesia in February 2025. However, Komdigi has noted that the company had been collecting data since 2021.
Tools for Humanity is a global technology firm based in the United States that develops World ID, a digital verification system designed to confirm a person's identity without collecting or storing personal data. Its Orb technology verifies users, whilst Worldcoin is a blockchain-based token enabling individuals, companies, application owners, and even governments to obtain incentives or conduct transactions within the network. World App is a super-application containing individual applications built by third-party developers.
"Regarding permits and business structure, those fall under other ministries or agencies. Komdigi's role relates to PSE and PSE Registration Certificates (TDPSE)," said Komdigi's Director General of Digital Space Supervision Alexander Sabar at his office in Jakarta on Friday (9 May).
"From the circulated letter regarding its business permit, it was obtained from BKPM, the Investment Coordinating Board," Alexander added. "I don't know what permit that pertains to. If it relates to the technology and its purpose, we are currently investigating further."
Alexander did not specify when the BKPM permit was granted. He only explained that Tools for Humanity had been operating since 2021, when BKPM was led by Bahlil Lahadalia. However, a BKPM press release stated that Tools for Humanity began operations in February 2025.
**World App Only Registered with Komdigi in 2025**
World App, Worldcoin, and World ID are managed by Tools for Humanity, a company founded by ChatGPT creator Sam Altman. The firm has two local partners in Indonesia: PT Terang Bulan Abadi and PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara.
Tools for Humanity operates in Indonesia under the name PT Terang Bulan Abadi. This company had not been registered as an Electronic System Operator and did not hold a TDPSE. Meanwhile, Worldcoin's services held a TDPSE under the name PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara.
Consequently, Komdigi has assessed that the company is reasonably suspected of failing to meet the requirements and compliance stipulated in regulations. The ministry is still investigating the iris data collection methods employed by Tools for Humanity and its two local partners, as well as how that data is used, ensuring compliance with the Personal Data Protection Law (UU PDP). Iris data, much like fingerprints, serves as a unique biometric identifier.
"If this data were used for negative purposes, for example harming those whose irises were scanned, it would pose a risk. Therefore, we are seeking to understand how the company's partners use the data," said Alexander.
**Tools for Humanity and BKPM Explore Digital Investment Cooperation**
The Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industries (BKPM) and Tools for Humanity Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 18 March 2025 to explore investment opportunities in Indonesia's digital sector. The cooperation focuses on facilitating Tools for Humanity's investment in the development and production of Orb, a specialised camera device used in the AI-based digital identity system, World ID.
Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstream Industries Todotua Pasaribu noted that the digital market is projected to reach US$130 billion in 2025, rising to an estimated US$360 billion by 2030.
"This demonstrates the importance of investment in this sector, including in artificial intelligence, which will make a significant contribution to national GDP," said Todotua in a press statement in March.
BKPM will provide support in facilitating the investment licensing process and helping the World App developer identify available incentives in accordance with prevailing regulations. In turn, the Worldcoin creator will identify local industry partners capable of supporting Orb production, invest in developing production facilities, and provide technical support and training for local partners.
Tools for Humanity's Chief Legal and Privacy Officer Damien Kieran highlighted Indonesia's significant potential within the global digital ecosystem and the company's commitment to supporting national technology industry growth.
"Indonesia is at the forefront of Asia's digital transformation, and under President Prabowo's vision and the leadership of Minister Rosan and Deputy Minister Todotua, the country is well positioned to further accelerate its role as a regional and global technology hub," said Kieran.
He acknowledged that the acceleration of the digital economy brings challenges such as increased risks of AI-based fraud, deepfakes, and identity theft. The World ID technology under development, supported by the Orb device, offers a privacy-based identity verification solution through unique iris scanning without storing personal data.
"With support from the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industries/BKPM, we are committed to exploring opportunities for Orb assembly in Indonesia, not only for the domestic market but also for the Southeast Asian region," he said.
The press release stated that Tools for Humanity commenced its presence in Indonesia in February 2025. However, Komdigi has noted that the company had been collecting data since 2021.