Telegram Faces a Potential Ban in Indonesia, Joining the Growing List of Countries Targeting the Popular Messaging App for Bans and Restrictions

Indonesia's Potential Ban on Bigo Live and Telegram

In a move that has stirred considerable debate, Indonesia is weighing a ban on the live-streaming platform Bigo Live and the messaging service Telegram.

This potential action is driven by allegations that both platforms are contributing to the spread of pornography and the promotion of online gambling.

The country's Communication and Informatics Minister, Budi Arie Setiadi, has announced that despite issuing strong warnings to both companies, the responses have been insufficient.

Setiadi expressed his frustration during a press conference in Jakarta, saying,

“I would prefer to shut down Bigo Live and Telegram immediately, but a team needs to conduct further studies first.”

His remarks underline the serious stance the Indonesian government is taking in response to these alleged issues.

This is not the first time Bigo Live has been warned.

According to Setiadi, this latest warning marks the second time the platform has been called to address these concerns.

He has made it clear that if a third warning becomes necessary, the Ministry will not hesitate to block the Singapore-based platform outright.

Despite Bigo Live's and Telegram’s previous commitments to enhance content moderation and address the problems cited, the promised improvements appear to have fallen short.

The Ministry's actions are grounded in evidence collected by their team, with Setiadi adding,

“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.”

Telegram's Founder Faces Legal Challenges

Adding to the controversy, Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, recently found himself embroiled in legal troubles.

Last Saturday, Durov was arrested at Le Bourget airport in Paris.

The Paris prosecutor’s office disclosed that Durov faces 12 criminal allegations, including complicity in child pornography sales, drug trafficking, fraud, abetting organised crime, and failure to cooperate with investigations.

This arrest has amplified scrutiny on Telegram, further complicating the platform’s position in Indonesia’s regulatory crosshairs.

Local Enforcement Actions in Jakarta

The situation in Indonesia has also seen local enforcement actions.

Jakarta Police have detained a 20-year-old resident from Kendal, Central Java, identified by the initials MAFA.

This individual is accused of managing a child pornography group on Telegram, adding a layer of urgency to the Indonesian government’s crackdown.

This arrest underscores the severity of the issues Indonesia is confronting regarding online platforms and the alleged criminal activities taking place on them.

The potential ban on Bigo Live and Telegram is a reflection of Indonesia's broader effort to combat online criminal activities and uphold stringent content standards.

The government's decisive actions and ongoing investigations signal a commitment to regulating digital spaces more effectively, ensuring that platforms operating within its borders adhere to local laws and regulations.

Telegram's Global Controversies

While the app, since its launch in August 2013, has been heralded as a vital tool for pro-democracy movements and open communication, its controversial reputation has led to actions by various governments seeking to curb its influence or outright ban it, not just in Indonesia.

Recent events have intensified this scrutiny, particularly following Durov's recent detention near Paris over allegations related to organised crime and drug trafficking.

Telegram, through its blog, vehemently denied these claims, stating:

"Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe. It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform."

● China’s Long-standing Ban

Telegram has been blocked in China since 2015, following a DDoS attack on its servers.

The censorship is widely believed to be a move by the Chinese government to stifle criticism from human rights advocates and critics of the Communist Party.

The blockade of Telegram, used by activists to critique the government, is part of China's broader strategy to control digital communication and suppress dissenting voices.

● Russia’s Complex Relationship with Telegram

Russia’s history with Telegram is marked by a brief ban in 2018 due to Pavel Durov’s refusal to comply with demands for user data.

The two-year ban did not significantly impact Telegram’s popularity, and it remained a key source of news for many Russians.

Despite the ban, Russian government departments, including the Foreign Ministry and the national COVID-19 task force, maintained official channels on the app, illustrating the complex relationship between the Russian state and Telegram.

● Belarus's Use and Subsequent Crackdown

During the anti-government protests in Belarus in 2020 and 2021, Telegram was a critical platform for organising and disseminating information, particularly when the internet was blocked.

In response, the Belarusian government labelled certain Telegram channels as extremist, primarily targeting anti-government content.

Amnesty International reported that joining these channels could lead to severe legal consequences, including imprisonment for up to seven years.

● Ukraine’s Dilemma Amidst Conflict

Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, Telegram has become a crucial communication tool for both the Ukrainian government and citizens.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy utilises the platform for daily updates, while it also serves as a means for disseminating information on the battlefield.

However, Telegram’s dual role as a source of misinformation and a tool for hacking military groups has led Ukraine to contemplate a ban unless specific conditions are met, such as establishing an office in Ukraine and removing harmful content.

● Germany’s Enforcement of Hate Speech Laws

Germany's stance on Telegram reached a peak in 2022 when the government considered banning the app due to 64 channels violating hate speech laws.

A €5 million fine was imposed on Telegram for non-compliance with German regulations.

Although Telegram agreed to cooperate and remove illegal content, the encounter highlighted the platform's contentious position in the European regulatory landscape.

● Spain's Brief Ban and Legal Disputes

In March 2023, Spain briefly banned Telegram following complaints from major media groups — Mediaset, Atresmedia, Movistar, and Egeda — that the app was disseminating their copyrighted content without authorization.

A judge’s order to block Telegram led to a temporary shutdown after the company failed to respond to requests for information.

However, the ban was lifted after criticism of its potential harm to millions of users, illustrating the complexities of enforcing intellectual property laws in the digital age.

● Norway's Security Concerns

Norway has imposed restrictions on Telegram and TikTok for government officials, citing national security threats.

In March 2023, the Norwegian intelligence service, in its "Focus 2023" threat assessment, highlighted Russia and China as principal threats.

The service also noted that social media platforms, including Telegram, are arenas for disinformation and manipulation by foreign actors.

Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl emphasised that social media’s role in influencing public opinion and spreading misinformation necessitates caution.

● The United Kingdom's Struggle with Telegram

In August 2024, Telegram was implicated in the planning of anti-immigrant riots in the UK, following the tragic deaths of three girls in northern England.

Extremists exploited the platform to incite hatred against Muslims and coordinate violent acts.

Despite the chaos, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously called for "tough and effective sanctions" against platforms fueling unrest.

However, no concrete measures have yet been taken against Telegram.

The government’s lack of action has drawn criticism, highlighting the ongoing debate over the balance between platform responsibility and freedom of speech.

● Iran’s Ban and Continued Usage

Iran’s government blocked Telegram in 2018 following protests demanding economic reforms.

The regime accused the platform of facilitating dissent and favoured promoting local alternatives.

Despite the ban, many Iranians continue to access Telegram through VPNs, demonstrating the platform's enduring influence even under restrictive conditions.

● Thailand’s Anti-Government Protest Ban

In 2020, Thailand banned Telegram due to its use in organising anti-government protests that demanded the resignation of former Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha.

The app's role in facilitating rapid and coordinated protests against the government led to its restriction, illustrating how Telegram’s capabilities can influence political movements and provoke government responses.

● India’s Recent Investigations and Potential Ban

Just a day after Pavel Durov’s arrest, India announced an investigation into Telegram’s involvement in various criminal activities.

The app has been linked to issues such as leaked exam papers, child pornography, stock price manipulation, and extortion.

Indian authorities have uncovered schemes involving substantial financial gains from manipulating stock prices through Telegram channels, raising concerns about the platform’s role in criminal enterprises.