World App operator: NPC order a ‘setback for digital innovation’

Insider Spotlight

• World challenges NPC’s cease-and-desist order in Philippines
• Firm says no privacy law violated, process based on consent
• Legal counsel calls decision a “dangerous precedent” for tech
  
  

World, the local operator of Tools for Humanity — the company behind the World App and co-founded by OpenAI’s Sam Altman — has disputed the National Privacy Commission’s (NPC) cease-and-desist order, calling it a “setback for responsible digital innovation” and vowing to seek reconsideration.

⚖️ A surprise reversal

In a statement, World said the NPC’s order came despite the company’s completion of a year-long compliance process, including registration with the NPC, participation in the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s sandbox program, and consultations with regulators and privacy experts.

“The decision, if not reversed, could deprive millions of Filipinos of technology designed to protect them from scams, identity theft, and AI-driven fraud,” the company said.

Local operator Ryuji Wolf described the ruling as “alarming,” saying it represented a sudden shift under new NPC leadership. “This sudden change in interpretation undermines the certainty that legitimate investors rely on when working with Philippine regulators,” Wolf said.

🔍 Defense of privacy practice

World emphasized that its “proof of human” system verifies that users are real people without collecting identifying information such as name, address, or phone number. “All biometric images are anonymously processed locally and deleted within seconds,” Wolf said. “Our system does not identify individuals. It simply verifies that they are unique humans, not bots or AI accounts.”

Wolf added, “We don’t store, sell, or purchase biometric data.” The company said it will file a motion for reconsideration with the NPC.

Enrique dela Cruz Jr.

DivinaLaw's senior partner said the NPC's decision "undermines innovation, digital literacy, and individual rights."

🧑‍⚖️ Legal challenge

World’s lawyer, Enrique dela Cruz Jr., said the NPC’s cease-and-desist order “is a mistake that undermines innovation, digital literacy, and individual rights.”

“Let us be clear: no law has been violated,” he said. “Participation is fully voluntary and based on informed consent from adults who understand what they are joining.”

Dela Cruz warned that the NPC’s action “appears to be overriding the informed consent of adults, as if Filipinos are not capable of deciding for themselves,” calling it “a dangerous precedent.”

🚀 Ongoing commitment

Since its launch in February, World said millions of Filipinos have joined its network and over a thousand locals have been employed in technology and operations. Wolf said the company “remains committed to working transparently with regulators to demonstrate its full adherence to Philippine law.”  —Daxim L. Lucas | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma