Indonesia Abolishes Sam Altman's World Project After Allegations of Inappropriate Activities

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s digital identity project, World – formerly known as Worldcoin – is facing major challenges in Indonesia, as local authorities have temporarily suspended its registration certificates.

Regulators put a stop to it

The Indonesian Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) announced on May 4 that it has suspended the registration of the Electronic System Operator Certificate (TDPSE) for World and World ID due to suspicious activities and alleged registration violations. Following the suspension, Komdigi plans to summon World’s local subsidiaries, PT Terang Bulan Abadi and PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara, to clarify the allegations.

Preliminary investigations indicate that PT Terang Bulan Abadi may have operated without the necessary TDPSE, while PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara – the subsidiary used by World to provide services – was allegedly involved in legal misrepresentation.

Strict requirements for digital service providers

In the press release, Komdigi emphasized that all digital service providers in Indonesia must comply with local registration requirements. Using the registration of another entity is considered a serious violation of Indonesian regulations for digital operations. Alexander Sabar, director general of digital supervision at Komdigi, made it clear: “Worldcoin services are registered under the name of another legal entity, namely PT Sandina Abadi Nusantara,” adding that “failing to comply with registration requirements and using the identity of another legal entity is a serious violation.”

Municipality calls for action

Sabar explained that World’s temporary suspension is necessary to prevent potential risks to the community. He stressed the ministry’s commitment to monitoring the digital ecosystem fairly and strictly to ensure safety. He called on the public to actively participate in the monitoring. “We invite the public to help maintain a safe and reliable digital space for all citizens,” Sabar said.

The community’s response to these measures has been mixed. One Reddit user exclaimed, “Good job, Indonesia — at least someone is standing up to this scam,” while others pointed out the potential benefits World’s services could bring to Indonesia. “If you have to give up your iris scans to feed your loved ones for a few weeks, that might be a trade you’re willing to make. After all, it’s all about what matters most to you,” another Redditor said.

World pauses services on its own accord

A spokesperson for Tools for Humanity (TFH), the developer behind the Worldcoin project, told Cointelegraph that World has voluntarily paused its authenticated human verification services in Indonesia, seeking clarification on the relevant permits. “We look forward to continuing the constructive and supportive discussions we have had with the relevant ministries over the past year,” the representative said, adding: “If there are any shortcomings or misunderstandings with our permits, we will certainly rectify them.”

The spokesperson notes that new technologies often face skepticism before they are accepted, the same goes for mobile phones, cars and computers. “This is why World has been very careful in introducing TFH in Indonesia, by having in-depth and long-term discussions with the government.”

Currently, World has around 850 Orb locations worldwide, an impressive number that underscores the growth of the technology. The latest news from Indonesia follows a May 2025 launch in the United States, where the digital identity technology will be rolled out in six cities. Several global regulators have raised questions about World’s operations since its July 2023 launch, with countries including Germany, Kenya and Brazil raising concerns about the security of users’ biometric data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the reason for the suspension of World in Indonesia?
The Indonesian government has suspended World's registration due to suspicious activities and violations of registration requirements.

How is the community reacting to World's suspension?
Reactions have been mixed; while some applaud the government's action, others point to the potential benefits of the services World provides.

What does World say about this situation?
World has voluntarily paused its services to allow time for clarification on permitting and hopes to continue constructive discussions with the government.