Minister Highlights Content Creators Recording Without Consent, Says It Violates PDP Law

The case of alleged unauthorised recording by content creator Ebe Martono, who filmed an usher or promotional model at Indonesia’s largest automotive exhibition, has drawn sharp criticism from various parties.

Following the matter, Minister of Communication and Digital (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid stated that content creators who record videos without the consent of the persons concerned may be deemed to have violated the Personal Data Protection Law (UU PDP).

“Regarding the unauthorised recording of a woman, we have received a great deal of input. In principle, we need to remind everyone that this is, first, a violation of the PDP Law, and second, a violation of ethics,” said Meutya at the Ministry of Communication and Digital office in Central Jakarta on Monday, 3 August 2026.

For context, under the PDP Law, a person’s face and image constitute biometric personal data that must be protected, as the face is unique data attached to a person’s physical identity. Therefore, recording someone’s face without consent by a content creator can constitute a violation of regulations in force in Indonesia.

On the other hand, regarding the content creator’s claim that the video was taken in a public space, it would still violate the provisions of the PDP Law.

“So no one may record without consent, even in the public sphere. This case is more or less the same as the discomfort expressed by, for example, friends who are exercising on public roads and are then recorded without permission. So we will treat this in the same way,” said Meutya.

Regarding the ethical violation, Meutya said the case has undermined the safety of women in public spaces, whereas in creating positive content, vulnerable groups such as children and women should in fact be protected.

“Within the framework of protecting not only women, but particularly women and children, this practice of unauthorised recording must be stopped,” said Meutya.

The content creator in question has been identified as Emanuel Bryan, known as Ebe Martono. Following the incident, he was also seen issuing a clarification and apology regarding the matter.