Minister of Communication and Information Budi Arie threatens to Block Telegram if Not Eradicate Online Gambling Content

A press conference themed “Latest Developments in Online Gambling Eradication” conveyed the warning to close the Telegram application which was broadcast online via Youtube and Zoom. The Ministry of Communication and Information warned that it will fully block access to the Telegram application in Indonesia because Telegram is considered uncooperative in eradicating online gambling content (judol).

Budi Arie Setiadi, Minister of Communication and Information, said that Telegram is the only digital platform that does not cooperate to eradicate online gambling. “Telegram is the only one that is not cooperative. Take note, please write it in the media,” Budi said.

Budi Arie added that one of the most cooperative platforms in eradicating online gambling content is Google. A discussion on eradicating online gambling between Google and the Government will be held at the end of May 2024.

With Google's artificial intelligence (AI), they can track (crawl) online gambling content on their platform. All of this is done because currently there is a new habit of people doing online gambling on the Telegram application, continued Budi Arie.

Previously, Budi Arie threatened the Tiktok, Telegram, X (twitter), Meta (Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp), and Google platforms with fines of up to 500 million rupiah for each online gambling content that appears on their platforms and strict sanctions for closure if they refuse to cooperate.

Not only digital platforms, the Minister of Communication and Information also shows a firm attitude to all internet service providers (ISPs) if they do not cooperate with the Indonesian government in eradicating online gambling which is now rampant throughout society. Budi Arie threatened to revoke the licenses of internet service providers that facilitate online gambling and will announce the names of these ISPs.

These policies are based on a strong legal basis. Minister of Communication and Information Regulation No. 5 of 2020 concerning the Implementation of Electronic Systems, and Minister of Communication and Information Decree No. 172 of 2024 concerning Guidelines for the Implementation of PNBP Derived from the Imposition of Administrative Fines for Violations of Fulfillment of UGC Private Scope PSE Obligations to Terminate Access.

Then, sanctions against digital platforms are in accordance with Law No. 11 of 2008 concerning Electronic Information and Transactions, and Government Regulation No. 43 of 2023 concerning Types and Tariffs on Types of Non-Tax State Revenue Applicable to Kominfo.

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/Yunan