Indonesia Blocks TikTok Over Protests
Indonesia Suspends TikTok Registration Over Live Streaming During Protests
JAKARTA — Indonesia’s communications and digital ministry has suspended TikTok’s registration, citing violations of national regulations after the platform’s live streaming feature was reportedly used to promote online gambling during recent protests.
Alexander Sabar, an official at the ministry, said some accounts linked to gambling activities monetized the app’s live streams while nationwide demonstrations took place between late August and September. The protests, sparked by outrage over high lawmaker allowances and police brutality, drew attention across the country.
During the unrest, TikTok temporarily disabled its live streaming feature, stating the move was to “keep TikTok a safe and civil space.” However, the government later requested the company’s traffic, streaming, and monetization data. According to Sabar, TikTok — owned by China’s ByteDance — provided only partial information, citing internal procedures.
“Given the incomplete data, the communications and digital ministry determined that TikTok violated its obligations as a private electronic provider,” Sabar said.
Under Indonesia’s licensing rules, companies operating in the country are required to provide government authorities with data for oversight purposes or risk being blocked. TikTok, which has more than 100 million accounts in Indonesia, did not respond to a request for comment.
It remains unclear whether the platform is fully blocked in the country. Reuters reported that TikTok was still accessible on Friday. The ministry did not immediately respond to further requests for comment.
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