TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Cyber law expert from the University of Indonesia (UI), Edmon Makarim, responded to the polemic surrounding the World App. This application promises Worldcoin or digital tokens that can be exchanged for cash by users after scanning their retinas.
Edmon agreed that the entrance of retina data has the potential for misuse. "It should be banned, as in other countries, for a relatively safer option," he said to Tempo via messaging applications on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
As quoted from Cointelegraph, on March 18, 2024, Spain became the first country to ban the collection of Worldcoin biometric data.
On March 18, 2024, Spain became the first country to ban the collection of Worldcoin biometric data. On May 22, 2024, Hong Kong ceased all Worldcoin operations in its territory.
The retina is a biometric or authentication based on a person's unique physical characteristics. Edmon explained that biometrics are inherent to a person's body.
Hence, fundamentally, it belongs to the particular individual. "It should not be requested if there is no basis of necessity," said Edmon.
Furthermore, he stated that the acquisition, storage, and use of biometric data must be securely guaranteed. Its security level should also be higher than the general personal data.
According to Edmon, regulations regarding biometrics are stated in Law Number 27 of 2022 concerning Personal Data Protection (PDP Law). Article 4 paragraph (2) of the regulation states that biometrics are specific personal data.
Previously, the Indonesian National Police (Polri) stated that they were investigating suspicious activities related to the Worldcoin service. Since accessing the service requires users to scan their faces, these activities deserve vigilance as they have already taken personal data of the public.
"This is certainly a concern," said the Head of Public Information Bureau of Polri Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko at the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri) building, Jakarta on Monday, May 5, 2025.
For the investigation, according to Trunoyudo, Polri needs to coordinate with several relevant agencies. "Law enforcement processes cannot be separated from synergy," he said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Communication and Digital alias Komdigi has frozen the Registration Certificate for Electronic System Providers (TDPSE) for Worldcoin and WorldID. This step was taken following reports of suspicious activities related to the service by the public.
"This freezing is a preventive step to prevent potential risks to the public," said the Director General of Digital Space Supervision at Komdigi, Alexander Sabar in an official statement on Sunday, May 4, 2025.
The initial investigation results indicated that PT Terang Bulan Abadi is not registered as an electronic system provider (PSE) and does not have a TDPSE as required by regulations. Whereas the Worldcoin service is registered using TDPSE under the name of another legal entity, namely PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara.
Komdigi will summon PT Terang Bulan Abadi and PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara to seek clarification regarding the alleged violation of electronic system provider provisions.
Alexander said that the Ministry of Komdigi is committed to overseeing the digital ecosystem fairly and firmly to ensure national digital space security. Besides the government, he said, active public participation is also needed.
He invited the public to help maintain a secure and trustworthy digital space for all citizens. "Komdigi also urges the public to remain vigilant against unauthorized digital services and promptly report suspected violations through official channels for public complaints," said Alexander.
Hammam Izzuddin contributed to the writing of this article
Editor's Choice: Expert Raises Alarm on Crypto Scams, Biometric Leaks After Worldcoin Freeze
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Expert Raises Alarm on Crypto Scams, Biometric Leaks After Worldcoin Freeze
19 jam lalu
Expert also highlighted the prevalence of crypto-related fraud, citing the 2022 case of Doni Salmanan's binary option fraud.
Indonesia Suspends Sam Altman's Worldcoin, WorldID Operations Over Licensing Concerns
1 hari lalu
Komdigi temporarily suspends the operations of Worldcoin cryptocurrency and its WorldID system after receiving reports of suspicious activities on bo
China Poses Biggest Military, Cyber Threats to U.S., Intel Chiefs Say
40 hari lalu
China remains the top military and cyber threat to the U.S., according to a report by U.S. intelligence agencies.
Defense Ministry: Cyber Operations to Counter Threats to National Sovereignty
40 hari lalu
The Indonesian Military (TNI) will conduct information and disinformation operations to counter threats to national sovereignty in cyberspace.
Prabowo to Appoint Nugroho Sulistyo Budi as BSSN Head This Afternoon
19 Februari 2025
President Prabowo is reported to be inaugurating Nugroho Sulistyo Budi as Head of the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN)
DeepSeek's Open-Source AI at Risk of Cybercrime Threats: Kaspersky
31 Januari 2025
Kaspersky states that the open-source nature of DeepSeek is advantageous for the development of AI but also brings potential significant risks.
OJK Reveals Cyber Threats to Banking Customers
27 Januari 2025
The Financial Services Authority (OJK) revealed that the risk of cyber attacks in the banking industry has increased significantly.
Thailand Airports to Implement Biometric System in November
1 November 2024
For those planning to travel to Thailand, here's what needs to be done to use the biometric system at the airport.
600 Million Cyber Attacks Per Day, Microsoft: Perpetrators Using Generative AI More Often
23 Oktober 2024
Microsoft highlights the increasingly sophisticated tactics of cyber attackers. High-level technologies, including Generative AI.
Top 10 Countries with Best Cyber Security, Finland Ranked First
14 Oktober 2024
Discover countries with the best cyber security. Here is the list of the safest privacy in the world.
