Government Agency Rebukes Platform X for Ignoring Pornography Fine
Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) has officially issued a third warning to Platform X formerly known as Twitter for failing to pay fines related to pornographic and explicit content violations. Quoting a report from hkitblog.com the ministry emphasized that the company’s repeated non-compliance could lead to stricter sanctions, including potential content restrictions or legal measures under Indonesia’s electronic information law.
Third Official Warning
In a press statement released on Tuesday (October 15), Komdigi confirmed that Platform X has been warned three times since August for failing to address fines imposed after the discovery of multiple accounts spreading pornographic material.
“We have given ample time for Platform X to comply with the penalties issued by the government. However, to this day, the fine remains unpaid,” said Komdigi spokesperson Dewi Anggraini. “This demonstrates a lack of accountability toward Indonesia’s digital regulations.”
According to Komdigi, the initial fine was issued following the platform’s violation of Law No. 11/2008 on Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE Law) and Government Regulation No. 71/2019, which require social media platforms to actively remove prohibited content within Indonesian cyberspace.
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Repeated Violations
Authorities stated that the case began earlier this year when Komdigi detected the spread of explicit videos and adult-themed accounts that violated local decency standards. Despite repeated requests for removal, regulators said the response from Platform X was slow and incomplete.
Komdigi conducted further monitoring and found similar content persisting on the platform. As a result, a fine was issued in July 2025, followed by formal notices demanding compliance. When the company failed to respond, two additional warnings were sent in September and early October.
“Indonesia is not the only country enforcing such regulations,” Dewi added. “We respect freedom of expression, but every digital platform must adhere to local laws. Our priority is protecting citizens, especially minors, from harmful online content.”
Potential Sanctions Ahead
Legal experts note that the third warning could trigger stronger enforcement actions. Under the ITE Law, digital service providers that repeatedly ignore government orders risk temporary blocking or access throttling within the country.
Cyber policy analyst Rizal Fadillah from the Digital Governance Institute commented that the government’s stance reflects a growing effort to ensure digital accountability. “This is part of Indonesia’s attempt to strengthen online content regulation. Tech companies must realize that operating in Indonesia means respecting its laws and cultural boundaries,” he said.
Rizal also warned that continued defiance by Platform X could set a negative precedent for other platforms operating in the country. “If one platform ignores the rules without consequences, others may follow.”
Platform X’s Response
As of publication, Platform X has not issued an official response to Komdigi’s latest warning. The company’s regional representatives have previously stated that they are “reviewing local compliance procedures,” but no timeline for resolution has been provided.
Komdigi reiterated that it remains open to dialogue but expects immediate action. “We are not against global platforms,” Dewi said. “We only ask for cooperation and respect for our legal framework.”
The standoff between Komdigi and Platform X underscores the growing tension between global tech giants and national regulators. As Indonesia continues to tighten its oversight of online platforms, compliance will be key for foreign digital companies seeking to maintain access to one of Southeast Asia’s largest internet markets.
Until Platform X fulfills its obligations, Komdigi confirmed that monitoring and enforcement actions will continue.
Source: https://www.hkitblog.com/
