The Dangers of Retina Scanning for Cash Rewards

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The practice of scanning the retina in exchange for cash rewards is currently causing serious concerns among experts and data security activists in Indonesia. This action has the potential to become an entry point for personal data theft and massive privacy violations, especially because the retina is one of the most sensitive and unchangeable biometric data.

The latest incident occurred in a shop house in the Grand Boulevard area, Pusaka Rakyat Village, Tarumajaya Subdistrict, Bekasi Regency, West Java. Several residents visited the location to undergo retina scanning as a requirement for registering in the Worldcoin application, in exchange for cash rewards of up to hundreds of thousands of rupiah.

"I came here for an eye scan, they said I will receive money. It's scheduled for 12 PM," said Devi, a resident who was met at the location on Monday, May 5, 2025.

Similarly, a motorcycle taxi driver named Udin admitted to having undergone retina scanning twice and received cash rewards of Rp175,000. He explained that the registration process was quite simple, only requiring the download of the application, watching a short video, and then undergoing retina scanning.

However, behind the seemingly tempting offer, there are significant risks to personal privacy and security.

Unchangeable Biometric Data Risks

Edmon Makarim, a cyber law expert from the University of Indonesia (UI), warned that retina data is highly vulnerable to misuse if it falls into the wrong hands. "It is better to follow the steps taken by several other countries that have banned it, which would certainly be safer," Edmon told Tempo on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

He emphasized that biometric data such as the retina is personal property that must be strictly protected. "If there is no clear need for it, it is better not to be requested," he said.

Retina scanning works with infrared technology that captures the blood vessel patterns in the retina, creating a unique digital image for each individual. Because of its uniqueness, this data is often used in high-security systems, ranging from banking to restricted access.

However, precisely because of its permanent and unchangeable nature, this data becomes a prime target for cybercriminals. By accessing retina data, criminals can impersonate victims to open bank accounts, misuse credit cards, and apply for loans in someone else's name.

Threats of Personal Data Leakage

According to Law Number 24 of 2013, personal data includes all information of a personal nature that must be kept confidential. Information in ID cards such as NIK, full name, address, and blood type fall into this category. Retina data, as part of biometrics, should receive higher protection.

The phenomenon of data breaches is increasingly frequent with the growing digitalization of services. According to Cyberhub.id, there are several serious consequences that victims of data breaches can experience, including:

1. Identity Theft

Personal data such as name, NIK, and financial information can be used for fraud or impersonation.

2. Financial Fraud

Perpetrators can open fake accounts or misuse the victim's credit cards.

3. Privacy Violation

Scattered data can be used for extortion, intimidation, and damaging the victim's reputation.

4. Business Losses

Companies experiencing data breaches can lose customers and bear legal and financial burdens.

5. Legal Impacts

Organizations that are negligent can be fined and face legal sanctions.

6. Operational Disturbances

System recovery and investigation can disrupt company activities.

7. Psychological Stress and Discomfort

Victims of data breaches can experience fear and mental pressure.

8. Loss of Public Trust

Data breaches can destroy an institution's reputation in the eyes of consumers.

Achmad Ghiffarry Mannan and Ananda Ridho Sulistya contributed to the writing of this article.

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