Strictness on Facebook-Instagram, strict warning from the government, if the system is not improved then major action is decided

Social Media Content Control: Governments have now started adopting a strict stance regarding the increasing wrong and dangerous content on social media platforms. In this context, Indonesia’s Communications Ministry has issued a strict warning to tech giant Meta Platforms. The ministry alleges that harmful and misleading content is spreading rapidly on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, but not enough steps are being taken to stop it.

Action taken only on 28.47% of reported cases

The government is particularly concerned about online gambling, fake news and misleading information. According to the ministry, action has been taken on only 28.47 percent of the cases reported on these platforms, which is considered very low.

According to Reuters report, this warning came to light when Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid suddenly visited Meta’s operational office in Jakarta. After this inspection, the government raised serious questions on the content moderation system of the company.

Government expressed concern about people’s safety

Minister Meutya Hafid clearly said that misinformation, defamatory and hateful content spreading on social media can become a threat to people’s safety. He said, “In Indonesia, misinformation, defamation and hate content pose a threat to life, yet Meta has allowed them to persist.” The government believes that if strict action is not taken against such content in time, it can have a serious impact on the society and the youth.

Instructions to strengthen content moderation system

The Ministry of Communications has clearly asked Meta to strengthen its content moderation system and speed up the process of removing illegal or harmful content. In fact, last year also the Indonesian government had warned other social media companies including Meta and instructed them to tighten content monitoring.

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Age restriction will be implemented on social media

The Indonesian government is now taking strict steps regarding the age limit on the use of social media and the safety of children. For this, Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 (PP TUNAS) has been implemented. This new rule will impose age restrictions on social media services and special provisions for the safety of children. This law also strengthens the Personal Data Protection Law of the country.

President Prabowo Subianto signed this rule on 28 March 2025 and it has come into effect from 1 April 2025. However, digital services have been given a transition period of one year to fully implement it.