Ministry of Communication and Digital Drafts Rule Requiring Social Media Accounts to Use Phone Numbers
The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) is currently drafting a regulation for the re-registration of social media accounts, making phone numbers a mandatory requirement for registration. Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, stated that this requirement is not yet mandatory, and she is seeking input from Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR).
“This is what we are currently processing through public consultation, to determine how we can ensure that when people join social media, they are required to provide their phone numbers,” Meutya said during a meeting at the DPR in Jakarta on Monday, 18 May 2026.
According to the Golkar Party politician, registering social media with a phone number can strengthen user identity. Meutya believes this step could encourage accountability among social media users regarding the content they upload.
“So that their identity is clear, and they become accountable or responsible for the posts that are published,” Meutya added.
In addition, Komdigi is strengthening the verified digital identity system through Electronic Certification Providers (PSRE). Meutya stated that several government actions are intended to bolster national resilience within the digital sphere.
Meutya also outlined Komdigies’s steps to tighten supervision of global digital platforms. For instance, the temporary suspension of the Grok feature on the X platform following numerous complaints regarding deepfake pornography content.
Furthermore, Komdigi has summoned Meta and Google regarding compliance with child protection regulations in the digital space, as stipulated in Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 (PP TUNAS). Meutya stated that the government is not only focusing on enforcement on social media but also on public education through Komdigi officers.
“We believe that maintaining national resilience on social media does not mean all activities must take place on social media; physical meetings with the community, discussions, socialisation, and education also play a very important role,” she concluded.