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‘Tool for censorship’: Newly effective regulation could curb free speech in Indonesia
A regulation that grants the government sweeping authority to censor content deemed inappropriate on digital platforms has raised concerns that it might further restrict freedom of speech and information.
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An illustration of restricting freedom of speech. (Shutterstock/siam.pukkato)
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regulation that grants the government sweeping authority to censor content deemed inappropriate on digital platforms starting on Monday has raised concerns that it might further restrict freedom of speech and information in the digital space.
The ministerial regulation, signed by Communication and Information Minister Johnny G. Plate in November, allows the ministry to remove prohibited content on digital platforms owned by the public, individual and private companies, known as digital service providers (PSEs).
The provision is applicable to a wide range of registered domestic and foreign private digital platforms, including social media, search engines, fintech and data processing, whose services are accessible in Indonesia.
This power came into effect on Monday, when the six-month deadline for all private PSEs to register with the ministry expired. Failure to register might lead to the ministry blocking access to their platform.
The registration, according to ministry spokesperson Dedy Permadi in February as reported by Antara, was aimed at “creating a healthier” cyberspace in Indonesia.
The regulation defines prohibited content as electronic information or data that violate prevailing laws, incite unrest and disturb public order. Information and data that facilitate access to the forbidden content is also deemed prohibited as per the regulation.
Registered digital service providers must remove such content within 24 hours after receiving notification from the ministry, and within four hours for content containing child pornography and messages supporting terrorism or if there is an immediate need to remove content that can cause public disorder. If they ignore the ministry’s order and allow the content to remain accessible to users, the ministry can order internet service providers to block access to the private PSEs platforms.
