Looking at the government's plan to require social media accounts to include phone numbers

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The government, through the Ministry of Communications and Digital (Komdigi), plans to require every social media account to include a mobile phone number. The plan was initially announced by Minister of Communications and Digital (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid. Because it is only a plan, the policy is still in the discussion and public consultation stage.

So, what is the reason?

Meutya said there are several reasons that make the plan necessary to mature. The former member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) from the Golkar Party said that the obligation to include a mobile number aims to clarify the identity of users in the digital space. “They (social media users) become accountable for the writings that are displayed,” Meutya said this week.

Another reason is to strengthen the digital identity system through the Electronic Certification Provider (PSRE). Because so far, the use of mobile numbers during account registration is still optional.

This step, according to Meutya, is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen national resilience in the digital space. She regards this strengthening as important to face various threats in cyberspace, including misinformation, disinformation, deepfakes, and fake news (hoaxes).

On the other hand, she also often conducts cyber patrols to counter problematic content, including hate speech and hoaxes.

“Be responsible for the writings that are also displayed. Then the digital identity that has been verified through the PSRE we also strengthen,” Meutya added.

She does not deny that the level of compliance of social media platforms operating in Indonesia with the government’s content moderation requests remains low, around 20 percent. Therefore, authorities will tighten oversight of digital platforms by asking for explanations of the content moderation systems they apply.

In parallel, Komdigi has begun conducting inspections and direct investigations into several platforms, including Meta, regarding hoax handling and child protection.

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