Horus software collects Indonesian personal data
An intelligence software named Horus has been used to gather personal data of Indonesians without their consent, at the request of Eramet, a French mining and metallurgical company. The data includes names, religion, ethnicity, social roles, family situations, contact information, geolocation, and assessments of individuals' influence in the region.Use in Balambano village
The software was deployed in Balambano, a small village in South Sulawesi, where nickel mining is common. Eramet, which is partially owned by the French government, plans to increase its ownership in the company. The data collected by Horus is used to identify local figures' positions on mining projects.Indonesia's nickel reserves
The Indonesian archipelago holds 42% of the world's surface nickel reserves, making it an attractive area for mining groups. Nickel is primarily used in stainless steel production and electric car batteries. However, its extraction poses environmental and health challenges.Software capabilities and purpose
The Horus software, developed by an Argentine company, allows the mapping and classification of inhabitants based on their social importance. Eramet confirmed the use of the software in Indonesia, stating that the study aimed to identify local stakeholders affected by potential projects. The company claims no mining development was initiated after the study.Legality and past controversies
The legality of the data collection is unclear, as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) does not apply to data collected outside the European Union. Eramet has faced accusations of environmental and human rights violations in other regions.
