Google and Twitter have yet to comply with a new licensing law in Indonesia, which could result in services being taken offline in the country.
Reuters reported, that the technology giants had until midday today (July 20) to comply with the set of rules which were unveiled in 2020, that empower authorities to push platforms to surrender data of users, and demand the removal of content deemed illegal or disturbing public order within four to 24 hours.
The Alliance of Independent Journalists of Indonesia criticised the laws stating they were “very elastic” and are open to being abused.
The organisation said on Twitter: “The consequence could be that news or content that reveals rights violations...or investigative reports could be considered unsettling...by certain parties, or even by the government or law enforcement,”
Google and Twitter face the risk of being fined and blocked, but punishments can be reversed once registered. The companies did not respond to requests for comments from the news agency.
Meta-owned platforms Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp registered on July 19, while other services such as Spotify, Netflix and TikTok have also signed up.
The Indonesian government defended its new laws stating they are designed to ensure internet service providers protect consumer data and project content in positive and productive ways.
