Elon Musk's ownership of social media platform X has once again ignited controversy, this time in Indonesia. The Indonesian government is threatening to ban the platform over its newly implemented policy that allows the sharing and accessing of adult content, a move that contradicts the country’s stringent laws against such material.
Elon Musk recently approved a policy permitting adult content on X, formerly known as Twitter. This decision has raised significant concerns in Indonesia, where strict laws prohibiting adult content have been in place since 2008. The policy change has prompted a strong reaction from Indonesian authorities, who are now considering a ban on the platform unless the policy is revised.
Indonesia's Minister of Communications and Information, Budi Ari Setiadi, has issued a stern warning to Musk's company. "If the company does not revise its adult content policy, we will ban their services in Indonesia," Setiadi stated. He also confirmed that a formal letter detailing these concerns has been sent to X, but the government has yet to receive a response.
This potential ban is not the first time X has faced issues in Indonesia. In 2023, the platform, then operating under the domain name X.com, was temporarily blocked by Indonesian authorities due to concerns over "negative" content, including pornography and gambling. The block was lifted after the company provided clarifications.
The Indonesian government's stance underscores the ongoing tension between global social media platforms and local regulations.