Despite its suspension over biometric data and regulatory breaches, Worldcoin’s popularity in Indonesia is surging—driven by cash payouts and football sponsorship hype. The frenzy underscores a sharp conflict between unchecked tech ambition and the need for public protection.
Indonesia is facing a digital dilemma. Thousands are lining up to trade their iris scans for crypto tokens.
This surge is driven by Sam Altman’s Worldcoin — a high-stakes project that exchanges biometric data for digital currency.
The initiative is sparking deep concerns over privacy, ethics, and regulatory oversight.
Promoted as a way to build a universal digital identity and provide financial inclusion in an AI-dominated future, Worldcoin’s presence in the country has sparked widespread public interest, particularly among younger users and economically vulnerable groups.
Yet, this surge in popularity has been met with sharp government scrutiny, culminating in a suspension of operations in early May 2025.
Officials cite data privacy concerns, regulatory non-compliance, and risks of biometric misuse as key red flags in a country still developing robust frameworks for handling such advanced technologies.
At the core of Worldcoin’s appeal is its offer of a World ID—a unique digital identity that promises to distinguish humans from bots in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
Users who undergo iris scans receive cryptocurrency tokens (WLD) in return, with reports suggesting financial incentives of up to IDR 800,000 (around USD 48).
For many Indonesians, especially those with limited access to traditional financial systems, this has presented a compelling if ethically fraught, opportunity.
However, experts and regulators warn that iris data is irreversible and cannot be changed if compromised. While Worldcoin claims to store only encrypted “iris hashes,” the centralized collection of such sensitive data by a private entity raises legitimate fears of misuse, leaks, or even state surveillance… to read more click here.