Indonesia Considers Banning Telegram Amid Multiple Allegations

Potential Ban of Telegram in Indonesia and India

Indonesia is contemplating banning Telegram due to allegations of disseminating harmful content, including pornography and online gambling. Indonesia has the third-largest Telegram user base globally, as per Demandsage data.

Indonesia's Minister of Communication and Informatics, Budi Arie Setiadi, stated that Telegram initially promised to enhance content moderation but failed to implement effective regulations and provide timely responses. The minister remarked, "I would prefer to shut down Bigo Live and Telegram immediately, but further investigations are necessary."

Telegram faces a potential ban in Indonesia following accusations of promoting disturbing pornography and online gambling, as reported by Jakarta Globe. Indonesia's IT Minister, Rudiantara, indicated that social media activity is being restricted to mitigate the spread of misinformation and hoaxes during election protests.

Allegations against Telegram include supporting terrorism-related activities, hate speech, radicalism, pornography, and gambling. Other countries that have previously blocked Telegram include Bahrain (2016), Russia, Iran, and Pakistan. Russia and Iran imposed bans in 2018, although Russia lifted its ban in 2020.

Investigation of Telegram in India

Following the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France over content moderation concerns, the Government of India has initiated an investigation into the app. The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is conducting the investigation.

Digital rights activists have raised concerns regarding censorship, arguing that a ban on Telegram would stifle free speech, hinder small businesses, and infringe on user rights. India has a substantial Telegram user base, with an estimated 104 million users. A ban could significantly impact the app's largest user base.