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World ID eye-scanning project highlights digital illiteracy, regulatory lapses
The government’s recent suspension of a digital identity platform, where crowds lined up for iris scans in exchange for cash, has raised alarms over poor digital literacy, made worse by the absence of a long-promised data protection agency.
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Illustration of iris scanning
(Shutterstock/Tzido Sun)
T
he recent suspension of a digital identity platform, for which crowds lined up to get iris scans in exchange for cash, has raised alarm over poor digital literacy, made worse by the absence of a long-promised data protection agency.
In the past few weeks, World ID has caught the public’s attention after pictures went viral of people lining up in droves in front of kiosks operated by the platform in Jakarta as well as in Depok and Bekasi on the outskirts of the capital.
According to various news reports, the crowds, which ranged widely from youths to the elderly and from online taxi drivers to stay-at-home moms, were reportedly looking to have their irises scanned, and in return, received payments of anywhere between Rp 100,000 (US$6) and Rp 800,000 per person.
World ID is a project marketed as a tool to streamline digital verification on various online platforms and services and to distinguish real people from bots by using biometric data, such as iris scans. World ID is part of Tools for Humanity (TFH), a tech company cofounded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
Following the iris scan craze, the Communications and Digital Ministry moved quickly and suspended on Sunday the electronic system provider (PSE) registration certificate of PT Terang Bulan Abadi, which operates World ID in Indonesia, on the grounds that the company lacked the required certification.
Minister Meutya Hafid said her ministry planned to summon the company next week to clarify its scope of operation and alleged missing paperwork.
“We are now suspending [its PSE registration] while waiting for an explanation. If there isn’t any, we will stop [the operation entirely],” Meutya said, as quoted by Antara.
