Kenya Directs Worldcoin (led by Sam Altman) to Erase Biometric Information
In a significant move, the Indonesian government has suspended the operations of the Worldcoin project, a digital currency platform that uses facial recognition technology, due to potential breaches of local regulations.
The suspension, announced by Alexander Sabar, Director General of Digital Space Supervision in Indonesia, is a preventive measure aimed at protecting the community from potential risks. Sabar also stated that PT Terang Bulan Abadi, the local partner of World, will be summoned for official clarification in the near future.
PT Terang Bulan Abadi, an Indonesian company, is under scrutiny for failing to register as an Electronic System Organizer (PSE) under Indonesian law, as required by Government Regulation No. 71 of 2019 and the Minister of Communication and Information's Regulation No. 10 of 2021.
The suspension comes after reports of "suspicious activity" surrounding the project. In addition, it has been revealed that World services are recorded using TDPSE in the name of another legal entity, PT. Sandina Abadi Nusantara, rather than PT Terang Bulan Abadi.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Kenyan High Court has ordered Sam Altman's cryptocurrency, World, to halt the processing, collection, and handling of biometric data until a Data Protection Impact Assessment is conducted. The court's ruling affirms the stance of the Katiba Institute, which has consistently opposed Worldcoin's operations.
The Kenyan court ruling concerns the Worldcoin App and Orb, and mandates that World permanently delete biometric data collected in Kenya without proper assessments within seven days. This ruling is separate from the issues surrounding PT Terang Bulan Abadi in Indonesia.
The regulatory challenges faced by the Worldcoin project are not limited to Indonesia and Kenya. The project has encountered similar issues in various countries, highlighting the need for global digital service providers to comply with local laws and regulations.
All digital service providers in Indonesia are required to register legally and ensure accountability for their public-facing operations. The Indonesian government is committed to enforcing these regulations to maintain the integrity and security of digital services operating within its borders.
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