Between Security and Privacy: Should Social Media Accounts Be Required to Include a Phone Number?

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The digital space has long provided freedom for anyone to speak, express opinions, and even conceal their identity. However, the government regards anonymity on social media as a potential breeding ground for a range of threats, from hoaxes and disinformation to hate speech and the manipulation of AI-based content such as deepfakes. Recently, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Transformation (Kemkomdigi) floated a proposal calling for a requirement to include a phone number on social media accounts. Digital and telecommunications expert Heru Sutadi said the aim of the plan is very logical in the face of information overload. Yet he believes now is not the right time to implement it. ‘Now is not the right momentum to implement this, given the public’s mood and anxiety about the potential silencing of voices or expressions on social media,’ Heru told Kompas.com on Thursday, 21 May 2026. He fears that if introduced now, there will be widespread persecution of those with differing opinions, whether among fellow citizens or with authorities. Notably, not long ago, the public was shown actions of dispersal when someone attempted to watch one of the documentary films about Papua, Pesta Babi. Likewise, there was an acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus. ‘So if this is combined with the obligation to link to a phone number, there will be public resistance,’ Heru said. There’s also the potential leakage of personal data for misuse. People may become victims of fraud and various other crimes. Therefore, Heru advised the government to focus first on finalising implementing regulations under the Personal Data Protection Act (PDP). ‘The PDP agency has not been formed yet. It could be more beneficial for the state and society if the PDP Act’s status is clear, can be implemented fully, and a PDP oversight body exists to safeguard people’s data,’ said Heru.