DPRD Batam urges residents to avoid iris scans amid Worldcoin activities flagged across the city

Concerns over data privacy have escalated in Batam as the crypto-linked Worldcoin project has allegedly initiated iris-scanning operations, prompting lawmakers to warn residents against sharing biometric data.

Batam Officials Sound the Alarm

Member of Batam’s City Council (DPRD), Anwar Anas, has voiced serious concerns about the presence of Worldcoin in Batam. The crypto project, which offers digital tokens in exchange for biometric iris scans via devices known as Orbs, has reportedly begun to appear in public areas across the city. Anas urged residents not to hand over personal biometric data without clear legal safeguards.

Speaking from the DPRD office on May 6, Anas emphasized that the risks of biometric data misuse are substantial and irreversible. “We advise residents not to be tempted by token rewards without understanding the consequences,” he said. “Biometric data, especially iris scans, are sensitive and cannot be replaced if compromised.”

Biometric Data Risks Amplified by Worldcoin’s Model

Following national backlash, Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs suspended Worldcoin and WorldID’s Electronic System Provider Registration (TDPSE) on May 4, 2025. The move followed public complaints about the project’s controversial data collection practices.

Cybersecurity sources like Trustcloud.tech highlight how biometric data is a prime target for cybercriminals. If stolen, biometric data could be used to impersonate victims, access financial accounts, or submit fraudulent applications. Unlike passwords, biometric data cannot be changed once exposed, making its misuse long-lasting and dangerous.

Comparisons Drawn to Clearview AI Case

The Worldcoin case has reignited concerns that echo the Clearview AI scandal from 2020, where a New York firm scraped billions of facial images from social media without user consent. These were then sold to law enforcement and private entities, raising alarms over surveillance, profiling, and racial bias.

This precedent serves as a warning. Experts believe without clear regulations, unrestricted biometric harvesting could lead to a surveillance ecosystem where people unknowingly become data sources.

Legal Experts Emphasize Data Protection Laws

Cyber law expert Edmon Makarim of the University of Indonesia warned that iris data, once collected, holds enormous potential for misuse. He called on the Indonesian government to consider following countries that have already banned Worldcoin’s activities outright.

Referencing Law No. 27 of 2022 on Personal Data Protection, Edmon reminded that biometric data falls under the “specific personal data” category, which mandates extra protection. “If there’s no clear legal reason to collect such data, it shouldn’t be done,” he stated.

Public Advised to Report and Resist

In response, DPRD Batam has advised residents to:

• Avoid giving biometric data like iris or facial scans without legal clarity
• Report suspicious biometric scanning activity to local authorities
• Stay vigilant and improve digital literacy to identify crypto scams

The council also plans to summon city agencies for a formal hearing and may propose interim local regulations to restrict unregulated biometric tech activities.

Need for Policy Before Technology Proliferates

Lawmakers stressed that Batam should not become a testbed for globally controversial technologies without first ensuring citizen protection. With regulations lagging behind innovation, local governments are being pushed to act swiftly to shield communities from exploitation in the name of digital advancement.

As biometric-based technologies like Worldcoin quietly spread into urban areas like Batam, the city’s leaders are taking a stand. The growing international concern, paired with real examples of abuse, shows the urgent need for stricter safeguards, responsible innovation, and data literacy. The question is no longer just about crypto—it’s about ownership and protection of identity itself.

Sources: Own Talk (2025), Tempo (2025)

Keywords: Worldcoin Batam, Biometric Data Risk, Iris Scanning Technology, Crypto Identity Concern, Indonesia Data Protection