Minister of Communications and Digital asks Meta to be transparent about algorithms and content moderation

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Meutya Hafid, Indonesia’s Minister of Communications and Digital, urged the digital-platform company Meta to be transparent about its algorithms and content-moderation practices. He voiced this during a spot inspection of Meta’s office in South Jakarta on Wednesday, the probe prompted by Meta’s alleged non-compliance with Indonesian regulations.

“Today we spoke with Meta to request several things,” Hafid said after the inspection. “First, transparency concerning the algorithms and transparency regarding how content is moderated.”

In addition, Meta must meet reporting obligations under Indonesian law and improve monitoring of the content circulating on its platform.

Hafid noted that Meta’s level of compliance with existing Indonesian regulations remains below 30 percent.

He highlighted the continued circulation of disinformation on social media, explaining that misinformation related to health issues is the most widespread.

He said he had received numerous complaints and input from doctors and healthcare workers about the proliferation of misinformation with serious consequences, even costing lives.

Moreover, digital crimes such as online scams have become more widespread across digital platforms. Hafid stated that such fraud targets not only the middle class but also people with low incomes.

He emphasised that, as a company operating in and profiting from the Indonesian market, Meta has an obligation to comply with Indonesian laws.

“Meta, as an industry based in this country that profits from Indonesia’s market, must comply with the laws of Indonesia,” he said.

Regarding the follow-up from the inspection, Hafid said his ministry is awaiting Meta’s commitment to compliance. The Ministry has set a deadline for Meta to meet the obligations and satisfy the government’s requests, although he did not disclose the duration.

“We will report again. I say that out of respect because the representatives of Meta Indonesia must report to their centre, so we will wait for the timing. But there is a timeline and targets that we have requested from Meta,” he added.

Hafid noted that Indonesia has 230 million internet users. Therefore, collaborative, ongoing oversight is needed to keep the digital space safe and to protect the public.