Indonesia Freezes Sam Altman’s World Project Amid Probe for Suspicious Activity
Sam Altman’s virtual identity project, World, formerly Worldcoin, faces regulatory heat in Indonesia. On May 4, the country’s Ministry of Communications and Digital (Komdigi) temporarily froze World’s operating certificates due to purported violations and suspicious activities surrounding its local partners.
The suspended Electronic System Operator Certificates (TDPSE) affect both World and its identity platform, World ID, essentially shutting down their legal digital activities in the country. The ministry confirmed that this was done to ensure continued compliance with Indonesian digital laws and protect the integrity of its regulatory landscape.
Allegations Against Local Partners
The investigation centers on two Indonesian firms working for World on their behalf — PT Terang Bulan Abadi and PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara. Komdigi has accused PT Terang Bulan Abadi of operating in the absence of an authentic TDPSE, while PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara is accused of employing authentic registration credentials unlawfully to provide services.
According to Alexander Sabar, Komdigi’s director general for digital supervision, the use of another entity’s registration to offer digital services is considered a serious legal offense. “Worldcoin services are recorded using TDPSE in the name of another legal entity,” he said. “Noncompliance with registration obligations and the use of the identity of another legal entity to carry out digital services is a serious violation.”
Registration Compliance a Legal Requirement
Indonesia mandates all digital service providers to register through the Electronic System Operator system. This approach guarantees regulatory oversight, consumer protection, and effective data management — especially when dealing with sensitive information such as biometric data, which World collects through iris scans.
Reuse of another firm’s registration not only violates this framework but also raises questions about transparency, accountability, and consumer safety, the ministry further stated.
Public Oversight and Community Vigilance
Komdigi has also opened the case to public submissions and urged citizens to help police the digital space. Sabar called on Indonesians to report unauthorized digital services and suspected violations through government-approved complaint channels.
“We call on the public to help build a secure and trusted digital space for all citizens,” he said. The call for community vigilance is Indonesia’s broader effort to impose digital integrity and protect user data.
Divided Public Opinion and Global Pushback
The public response has been divided. While on sites like Reddit some commended the Indonesian government for being firm with what they perceive as a “scam,” others spoke of economic benefits that World could bring to poor nations, arguing that trading biometric data for relief could be an acceptable choice for some.
This controversy is the latest in a series of regulatory challenges for World since it launched in July 2023. The authorities in Germany, Kenya, and Brazil have also raised alarms regarding the use of biometric data. World went ahead and expanded to the U.S. in May 2025, rolling out services in six key cities.
While Indonesia’s investigation continues, the result could have an impact on the way other countries deal with biometric identity systems and global digital services.
