Key Highlights:
- Indonesia’s potential ban on Telegram could cut off millions of users overnight, as the government cracks down on illicit content.
- With Telegram’s CEO already under legal scrutiny, the platform faces unprecedented challenges that could reshape its future worldwide.
Yello Paradisers! Could your favorite messaging app vanish overnight, leaving millions in the dark? Indonesia, one of Telegram’s largest user bases globally, is considering a ban on the popular messaging platform due to its alleged failure to moderate illegal content effectively.
The potential ban has sparked widespread panic among users, as the country’s Minister of Communication and Informatics, Budi Arie Setiadi, revealed that authorities are increasingly concerned about Telegram’s role in promoting online gambling and spreading pornography.
Telegram’s Future in Indonesia: A Looming Crisis
The Jakarta Globe reported on Aug. 29 that despite repeated requests from the Indonesian government, Telegram has not improved its content moderation practices. Budi Arie Setiadi warned that if more evidence of illicit content is found, the platform could face an immediate shutdown. “We act based on evidence collected by our team. If we find evidence of pornography or gambling promotion, we will proceed with blocking the platforms,” the minister stated.
The potential ban also extends to Bigo Live, a global live-streaming app facing similar allegations. Budi expressed a strong preference for shutting down both platforms but acknowledged that proper studies are necessary before any final decisions are made.
The Potential Impact: Millions of Users at Risk
If Indonesia follows through with the ban, Telegram could lose a significant portion of its user base. With over 27 million app downloads in Indonesia alone, the country ranks as the third-largest in terms of Telegram usage, only behind India and Russia. The loss of access for millions of users would be a devastating blow to Telegram’s global reach.
This news comes at a stormy time for Telegram, as founder and CEO Pavel Durov is under judicial supervision in France following allegations of criminal offenses related to his role at the company.
