Ministry of Communications and Digital weighs up mandatory phone-number rule for creating social media accounts

Kementerian Komunikasi dan Digital (Kemkomdigi) is studying a plan to require users to include a mobile phone number when creating a social media account. The policy is still under discussion and in public consultation.

The plan was disclosed by Minister of Communications and Digital Meutya Hafid during a working meeting with Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, on Monday, 18 May 2026. Meutya said the obligation to provide a phone number is intended to clarify users’ identities in the digital space. At present, using a phone number during account registration remains optional on many platforms.

According to Meutya, by including a mobile phone number, users are expected to be more accountable for the content uploaded on social media. ‘They (social media users) become accountable for the posts that are shown,’ Meutya said, as quoted by KompasTekno from Antaranews, on Tuesday 19 May 2026.

The government believes strengthening digital identity is important to tackle various online threats, such as misinformation, disinformation, and the misuse of technology like deepfakes.

In practice, Kemkomdigi also continues cyber patrols to tackle problematic content, including hate speech and hoaxes. This effort is carried out in coordination with various ministries and agencies.

On the other hand, the government is tightening oversight of digital platforms. Platforms are asked to increase transparency and explain the moderation systems they apply.

However, according to Meutya, platform compliance with government moderation requests remains low at around 20 percent. Consequently, Kemkomdigi has begun inspections and direct investigations of several platforms, including Meta, regarding the handling of hoaxes and child protection.

Nevertheless, Meutya stressed that strengthening the digital space will not be achieved solely through regulation and platform oversight. The government will also increase public education through outreach and direct meetings. She said this approach is necessary so the public understands how to use social media responsibly amid rapid technological developments.