DICT, Tools for Humanity React to NPC Order; Firm to File Appeal Over ‘World App’ Suspension

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[Also read; NPC Reasserts Role as Data Privacy Regulator in World/Tools For Humanity Dispute]

Following the cease-and-desist order of the National Privacy Commission (NPC) against Worldcoin developer Tools for Humanity (TFH) for alleged violations of the Data Privacy Act of 2012, both the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the company have expressed their reactions.

World Operation in PH

In the October 13, 2025, livestream of On Point on the Bilyonaryo News Channel, hosted by Pinky Webb, Ryuji Wolf, the country manager of World Philippines, explained that the US-based company founded by Sam Altman of ChatGPT creator OpenAI developed the World App to help distinguish humans from AI.

According to him, the project aims to give people a way to prove they are human through a one-time verification using an Orb, a specialized camera that performs an iris scan without storing personal data.

“It is important to give people around the world the ability to defend themselves in the age of AI and essentially identify the difference between what is human and what is bot in AI. So, that is the purpose of World and the World ID.

So, as a person all you need to do is come to an orb, which is really just a specialized camera, to get verified one time to prove that you are a human.”

Ryuji Wolf, Country Manager, World Philippines

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Wolf then revealed that the company joined the DICT’s Sandbox Program in 2024, where their technology underwent testing for several months, resulting in a letter of support from the department. He added that the firm also presented the project to the NPC and subsequently registered after receiving guidance from the agency.

He also said the company respects the NPC’s authority but disagrees with its interpretation of the Data Privacy Act, particularly on consent.  with TFH confirming plans to file a motion for reconsideration.

“I want to say that we have a lot of respect for the National Privacy Commission and we look forward to continuing to work with them as we aim to operate once again here in the Philippines and hopefully build a great network of verified Filipinos. In terms of what we have violated, we do have to respectfully disagree with some of the claims and interpretations of the National Privacy Commission.”

Ryuji Wolf, Country Manager, World Philippines

Meanwhile, speaking about the distribution of World’s native token, WLD, Wolf argued that the incentive was not coercive but common practice across industries, comparing it to promotions offered by banks or digital platforms. 

He emphasized that user verification is entirely voluntary and includes a 10- to 15-minute education session to ensure participants fully understand the process and purpose before proceeding. Wolf clarified all users are informed that the iris scan is used to generate a World ID and that they can opt out at any time.

On the other hand, Webb asked the World executive whether users of the World App were properly informed about giving consent, citing the NPC’s concern that users may not fully understand what they’re agreeing to.

Wolf clarified that consent is obtained at least twice, first when users download the app and accept its terms and conditions, and again during an on-site session before verification. He also reiterated the educational briefing before proceeding, and they confirmed consent once more before the iris scan, adding that the final consent shown on the device is “very simple” and easy to read.

DICT Chief Highlights World’s Verification Process’ Potential

Also in the interview, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said the department respects the NPC’s decision, emphasizing that the DICT’s role was limited to testing the World App under its Sandbox Program to evaluate emerging technologies. 

It should be noted that while the NPC is an independent government body, it is attached to the DICT for purposes of policy coordination. Thus, its parent department.

For Aguda, the department saw potential in the World App’s iris-based identity system to combat growing threats from deepfakes and AI bots, emphasizing the need for stronger “proof of personhood.”

And unlike the Philippine National ID, which stores personal data, the World App converts a user’s iris scan into an encrypted numerical code that is split across different data nodes abroad, preventing identification of individuals, he explained.

“Yung mata mo, iko-convert nila sa mahabang numero. Para hindi malaman kung sino ka, pinuputol-putol pa nila, parang ID number na hinati sa tatlo: isang parte sa America, isa sa Australia, at isa pa sa ibang bansa… Kaya kahit makuha mo ang isang parte, hindi mo pa rin ma-identify ang tao. That’s how it works… Sa bangko dati, hirap kami malaman kung robot o tao, pero kung may ganitong solusyon, madali nang makita na tao ka, hindi ka robot, hindi na kailangan ng captcha.”

[Translation: They convert your eye data into a long number. To ensure your identity can’t be traced, it’s split into parts—like an ID number divided into three: one stored in America, another in Australia, and another elsewhere. Even with one part, you can’t identify the person. That’s how it works. In banks before, it was hard to tell if a user was human or a bot, but with this kind of solution, verification becomes easy—no need for captchas anymore.]

Henry Aguda, Secretary, Department of Information and Communications Technology

He said the technology could help verify human users in online platforms, banking, and even social media to distinguish real people from AI-generated identities, citing its possible applications in fraud prevention and digital authentication.

World Motion for Reconsideration

Both Aguda and Wolf said they remain open to continued dialogue between government and industry to ensure responsible development of artificial intelligence and identity technologies in the Philippines.

Aguda also expressed support for the continuation of the World App project, saying it could complement the government’s national ID system and improve transparency in distributing public funds. 

He said the project’s inclusion in the DICT Sandbox Program reflects the government’s openness to exploring new technologies. Aguda also believes the NPC’s cease-and-desist order is part of its due diligence, describing the commission as “prudent” and “rational.” 

“Iyong usapin noong compliance by the NPC, they’re just trying to make sure na talagang walang magiging problema. Second, hindi pa naman tapos iyong usapin na iyan. Okay. Meron pa iyang motion for reconsideration. May mga pag-uusap kami na ginagawa ng NPC. Kasi yung ganyang technology, first of its kind sa mundo iyan, and maganda pag ma-adopt natin sa Pinas. Like most new technology, kailangan ng mas mahabang paliwanag. And I think the NPC is just doing their diligence.”

[Translation: As for the issue of compliance raised by the NPC, they’re just making sure that there won’t be any problems. Second, the matter isn’t over yet—there’s still a motion for reconsideration. We’re already in discussions with the NPC. This kind of technology is the first of its kind in the world, and it would be good if we could adopt it in the Philippines. Like most new technologies, it just needs more thorough explanation. And I think the NPC is simply doing its due diligence.]

Henry Aguda, Secretary, Department of Information and Communications Technology

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This article is published on BitPinas: DICT, Tools for Humanity React to NPC Order; Firm to File Appeal Over ‘World App’ Suspension

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