Reddit Access Restored After Platform Complies with Indonesian Regulations

The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has normalised access to the Reddit platform for users in Indonesia after the online forum provider complied with prevailing regulations. Director General of Digital Space Supervision at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi), Alexander Sabar, stated that the normalisation of access to Reddit was carried out following an assessment of regulatory compliance. “Kemkomdigi has approved the normalisation of access to reddit.com after going through an audience process and tracing compliance with regulatory provisions in force in Indonesia,” he said when asked for confirmation by ANTARA on Friday. Based on the results of Kemkomdigi’s investigation, he explained, the Reddit platform has implemented geoblocking for Indonesian territory, restricted access, and removed content related to gambling, pornography, and other illegal content. Following the normalisation of access, Kemkomdigi reminded the Reddit platform provider that they are required to register their business entity as a Private Electronic System Operator and comply with regulations in force in Indonesia. “If in the future illegal content is found to be accessible in Indonesia, Kemkomdigi will take handling steps in accordance with applicable regulations,” Alexander Sabar said. The previous blocking of access had forced internet users in Indonesia to use Virtual Private Network (VPN) services or alternative Domain Name System (DNS) to open the Reddit platform. Reddit is an online forum platform founded in the United States in 2005. The platform serves as a place for users to interact and discuss hobbies, topics, or interests. Reddit consists of hundreds of sub-communities known as subreddits. Each subreddit has its own rules, set by community moderators, and focuses on a specific topic.