World App, Worldcoin and WorldID Now Registered as Electronic System Operators at Kominfo
World App, Worldcoin and WorldID developer Tools for Humanity has finally registered as an Electronic System Operator (PSE) with the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo). The entity has been active since 2021.
Tools for Humanity is an international technology company headquartered in the United States that is developing World ID, an online authentication system designed to verify individuals' existence without collecting or storing their sensitive information. Orb technology forms a critical component of this system for user verification.
Worldcoin is a blockchain-based token that enables users — including individuals, companies, application developers and governments — to earn incentives or conduct transactions within its network. World App, meanwhile, is a super-app that aggregates applications built by external developers into a single unified platform.
"Regarding approvals and business structure, that falls under the jurisdiction of other agencies. Kominfo is responsible for PSE and Electronic Registration Numbers for online services, namely TDPSE," explained Director General of Cyber Space Supervision at Kominfo, Alexander Sabar, when met at his headquarters in Jakarta on Friday, 9 May.
"According to circulating documents regarding its business permits, these were obtained from BKPM, the Investment Coordinating Board," said Alexander. "However, I do not yet understand whether this relates to the type of approval or the intended use of the technology. We are still studying the matter further."
Alexander did not disclose details about when the permit was granted by BKPM. He only mentioned that Tools for Humanity had been operating since 2021, when BKPM was chaired by Bahlil Lahadalia. However, BKPM reports indicate that Tools for Humanity would begin operations in February 2025.
World App, Worldcoin and WorldID are controlled by Tools for Humanity. The company, founded by ChatGPT creator Sam Altman, has two local partnerships in Indonesia: PT Terang Bulan Abadi and PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara.
PT Terang Bulan Abadi operates in Indonesia through a partnership with Tools for Humanity. The company has not yet registered as an Electronic System Operator nor obtained a TDPSE. Meanwhile, Worldcoin stated that it holds a business licence based on the TDPSE of PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara.
In this regard, the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) suspects the company may not yet have complied with the requirements and provisions established by prevailing regulations.
Komdigi continues to explore the data collection techniques involved in iris scanning developed by Tools for Humanity and its two local partners, whilst also safeguarding data security in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act (UU PDP). Iris patterns, notably, function much like fingerprints.
"If such information were used for negative purposes — for example, harming the person whose iris was scanned — it could pose risks. For that reason, we want to examine how the data is used," said Alexander.
**Tools for Humanity and BKPM Discuss Potential Digital Investment Collaboration**
The Ministry of Investment and Domestic Industry (BKPM) and Tools for Humanity Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding on 18 March 2025 to discuss potential cooperation in investment related to Indonesia's digital technology sector.
The collaboration aims to facilitate Tools for Humanity's investment in developing and manufacturing the Orb, a specialised camera device used in the artificial intelligence-based digital identity system, World ID.
Deputy Minister of Investment and Processing/BKPM Caretaker, Todotua Pasaribu, said the digital market is expected to reach US$130 billion in 2025, with projections rising to US$360 billion by 2030.
"This illustrates how vital funding is in this area, including artificial intelligence technology that will contribute significantly to national Gross Domestic Product," said Todotua in an official statement in March.
BKPM will provide support to facilitate smooth investment licensing procedures and assist the World App developer in identifying available incentives under current regulations. In return, the Worldcoin creator will seek local industry partners to strengthen Orb production, inject funds into production infrastructure improvements, and provide technical assistance and training to local partners.
Chief Legal and Privacy Officer of Tools for Humanity, Damien Kieran, underscored the significant opportunities Indonesia holds within the global digital ecosystem and the company's commitment to advancing the local technology sector.
"Indonesia is at the forefront of Asia's digital transformation, and under the vision of President Prabowo 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.
A press statement noted that Tools for Humanity commenced its presence in Indonesia from February 2025. However, Komdigi records indicate the company has been collecting data since 2021.
Tools for Humanity is an international technology company headquartered in the United States that is developing World ID, an online authentication system designed to verify individuals' existence without collecting or storing their sensitive information. Orb technology forms a critical component of this system for user verification.
Worldcoin is a blockchain-based token that enables users — including individuals, companies, application developers and governments — to earn incentives or conduct transactions within its network. World App, meanwhile, is a super-app that aggregates applications built by external developers into a single unified platform.
"Regarding approvals and business structure, that falls under the jurisdiction of other agencies. Kominfo is responsible for PSE and Electronic Registration Numbers for online services, namely TDPSE," explained Director General of Cyber Space Supervision at Kominfo, Alexander Sabar, when met at his headquarters in Jakarta on Friday, 9 May.
"According to circulating documents regarding its business permits, these were obtained from BKPM, the Investment Coordinating Board," said Alexander. "However, I do not yet understand whether this relates to the type of approval or the intended use of the technology. We are still studying the matter further."
Alexander did not disclose details about when the permit was granted by BKPM. He only mentioned that Tools for Humanity had been operating since 2021, when BKPM was chaired by Bahlil Lahadalia. However, BKPM reports indicate that Tools for Humanity would begin operations in February 2025.
World App, Worldcoin and WorldID are controlled by Tools for Humanity. The company, founded by ChatGPT creator Sam Altman, has two local partnerships in Indonesia: PT Terang Bulan Abadi and PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara.
PT Terang Bulan Abadi operates in Indonesia through a partnership with Tools for Humanity. The company has not yet registered as an Electronic System Operator nor obtained a TDPSE. Meanwhile, Worldcoin stated that it holds a business licence based on the TDPSE of PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara.
In this regard, the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) suspects the company may not yet have complied with the requirements and provisions established by prevailing regulations.
Komdigi continues to explore the data collection techniques involved in iris scanning developed by Tools for Humanity and its two local partners, whilst also safeguarding data security in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act (UU PDP). Iris patterns, notably, function much like fingerprints.
"If such information were used for negative purposes — for example, harming the person whose iris was scanned — it could pose risks. For that reason, we want to examine how the data is used," said Alexander.
**Tools for Humanity and BKPM Discuss Potential Digital Investment Collaboration**
The Ministry of Investment and Domestic Industry (BKPM) and Tools for Humanity Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding on 18 March 2025 to discuss potential cooperation in investment related to Indonesia's digital technology sector.
The collaboration aims to facilitate Tools for Humanity's investment in developing and manufacturing the Orb, a specialised camera device used in the artificial intelligence-based digital identity system, World ID.
Deputy Minister of Investment and Processing/BKPM Caretaker, Todotua Pasaribu, said the digital market is expected to reach US$130 billion in 2025, with projections rising to US$360 billion by 2030.
"This illustrates how vital funding is in this area, including artificial intelligence technology that will contribute significantly to national Gross Domestic Product," said Todotua in an official statement in March.
BKPM will provide support to facilitate smooth investment licensing procedures and assist the World App developer in identifying available incentives under current regulations. In return, the Worldcoin creator will seek local industry partners to strengthen Orb production, inject funds into production infrastructure improvements, and provide technical assistance and training to local partners.
Chief Legal and Privacy Officer of Tools for Humanity, Damien Kieran, underscored the significant opportunities Indonesia holds within the global digital ecosystem and the company's commitment to advancing the local technology sector.
"Indonesia is at the forefront of Asia's digital transformation, and under the vision of President Prabowo 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.
A press statement noted that Tools for Humanity commenced its presence in Indonesia from February 2025. However, Komdigi records indicate the company has been collecting data since 2021.