Indonesia issues stern warning to Meta over disinformation, online gambling

Indonesia’s communications ministry has issued a stern warning to Meta Platforms Inc for failing to adequately curb the spread of online gambling, disinformation, defamation, and hate speech across its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

The warning follows an unscheduled visit on Wednesday by Meutya Hafid, Indonesia’s Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs, to Meta’s operational office in Jakarta. 

The ministry criticised Meta for taking action on only 28.47% of flagged content related to disinformation and online gambling.

“Disinformation, defamation, and hate content threaten lives in Indonesia, yet Meta has allowed them to persist,” Meutya said, urging the company to strengthen its content moderation systems and accelerate the removal of illegal and harmful material.

Indonesia had previously summoned Meta and other social media platforms last year, ordering them to boost moderation practices in response to the growing spread of disinformation. 

Meta did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the latest warning.

The government’s action reflects growing concern in Indonesia about the societal impact of unchecked online content, particularly disinformation and gambling-related posts, and signals stricter oversight for global tech companies operating in the country.