Ministry warns social media over radical content

Indonesias Communication and Informatics Minister Rudiantara has warned to block social media and sharing websites, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, if they fail to remove accounts with radical content.

"Our demand to those social media platforms is to block accounts that have radical contents. During 2016 to 2017, only 50 percent of those accounts were blocked. This is disappointing," Rudiantara said on the sideline of an anti-radicalism event in Padjajaran University here on Friday.

The minister called on the social media service provider to stick on its commitment or he would consider blocking them.

According to Rudiantara, social media platforms are reluctant to block the accounts because the move would need legal process in court in their countries of origin.

"But they are here for business, right? They have got the advertisement here. Therefore, they should adhere to our regulations as well," the minister stressed.

The ministry has taken all efforts to prevent the spread of radicalism.

The efforts include blocking websites and accountsthrough the involvement of the social media platform.

"We have to work fast, as we do not want the public to be exposed to such radical content," he added.

He shared his apologize to the public for blocking these social media.

Meanwhile, Research, Technology and Higher Education Minister Mohamad Nasir has called on chancellors to monitor activities in their campuses that have the potential to foster radicalism.

"On the issue of radicalism in campuses, it is not obvious yet but, there is a high potential," he said, adding that universities chancellors are responsible for any condition in their campuses.(*)

Source: ANTARA