Worldcoin Controversy: Global Digital Identity or Biometric Exploitation?

Sam Altman’s Crypto Project Sparks International Debate

What Is Worldcoin?

Worldcoin is a global digital identity project based on crypto-biometric technology, launched by Tools for Humanity, co-founded by Sam Altman (CEO of OpenAI), Max Novendstern, and Alex Blania. The project aims to build a universal identification system using iris scans via a device called the “Orb.” The scan generates a unique identifier called the World ID, which is claimed to be unforgeable and used to verify a person’s “humanness” in an increasingly AI-driven era.

As an incentive, users receive a cryptocurrency token called WLD, usable through the World App—a wallet and digital service platform developed by the same team.

As of early 2025, Worldcoin claims to have reached over 12 million users in more than 100 countries, positioning itself as one of the largest biometric crypto initiatives globally.

Big Ambitions, Big Risks

Worldcoin claims to offer a future-proof solution in a world dominated by artificial intelligence, where verifying a real human presence becomes crucial. Another core ambition is to implement a blockchain-based Universal Basic Income (UBI) system, potentially reducing global inequality caused by automation.

However, beneath the narrative of “inclusive digital revolution,” critics question the project’s integrity, security, and ethical boundaries.

Privacy in the Crosshairs

At the center of public concern lies data privacy. To enroll in Worldcoin, users must submit their biometric data through an iris scan. While the company insists that all data is encrypted and not stored permanently without explicit consent, numerous governments have questioned the transparency and legality of these processes.

Countries such as Spain, Portugal, Kenya, and Hong Kong have taken firm action ranging from investigations to full bans on Worldcoin’s operations. Regulators argue that the collection of biometric data without strong legal safeguards violates fundamental privacy protections.

In Hong Kong, for example, authorities reported that iris and facial data were collected without following required privacy procedures. Similar concerns are raised in jurisdictions under GDPR (EU) and Indonesia’s Personal Data Protection Law (UU PDP).

Exploiting Vulnerable Communities?

Beyond privacy, Worldcoin’s recruitment strategy has raised ethical red flags. Reports show that the company actively targets low-income communities in developing nations, offering cryptocurrency rewards in exchange for biometric data.

This has fueled accusations of digital colonialism—a new form of exploitation where personal data becomes the commodity.

Social media users and activists have questioned why Worldcoin targets poor communities instead of having Silicon Valley elites be the first to undergo biometric registration.

The Indonesia Case

In Indonesia, the Ministry of Communication and Information (Kominfo) suspended Worldcoin operations in May 2025. Authorities found that two local operators engaged in iris scanning activities without proper electronic system registration, violating national laws on data and electronic transactions.

An ongoing investigation is underway regarding unregistered digital processing activities. The public has been warned to avoid providing biometric data to foreign entities without strong legal safeguards.

Worldcoin’s Response

In response to mounting criticism, Worldcoin maintains that its system is built on a “privacy by design” approach. They claim that World ID does not store identifiable user data, instead generating encrypted hash codes that cannot be reversed.

The company also states that user data is not sold to third parties and affirms its willingness to cooperate with regulators to ensure legal compliance.

Still, skepticism persists, especially in the absence of independent audits or transparency regarding the full scope of their data handling processes.

Netizens Speak: Dystopia Incoming?

Harsh criticism also comes from the public online. Viral questions include:

• “Why not start with rich tech elites scanning their eyes first?”
• “Why trade our iris data for tokens that have no guaranteed value?”
• “If this is Sam Altman’s project, are they using this data to train future AIs?”

These concerns reflect a broader unease: is Worldcoin laying the groundwork for a global surveillance system, or is it just an ambitious but culturally blind innovation?

Do We Need Global Digital ID?

Supporters of Worldcoin argue that the future will require secure, non-forgeable identity systems. In a digital world overrun by bots and AI, verifying real human identity may become essential.

However, relying on iris scanning as a gateway to participate in the digital economy raises a more profound question: how much privacy are we willing to sacrifice for efficiency?

Final Word: Innovation or Illusion?

Worldcoin may lead the way toward a more secure digital identity infrastructure. But it could also set a dangerous precedent in the global misuse of personal data in the name of technological progress.

Without transparent audits, democratic oversight, and strict legal safeguards, projects like this are ripe for abuse. The world now faces a critical dilemma: embrace innovation or defend humanity.