Indonesia suspends TikTok registration after the company failed to provide complete data on live streams and monetisation, officials said.
Alexander Sabar, an official at Indonesia’s communications and digital ministry, said some accounts tied to online gambling used TikTok’s live feature during recent national protests. These accounts monetised content, prompting government action.
The protests, held from late August to September, focused on high lawmaker allowances and alleged police brutality. TikTok had temporarily disabled its live streaming feature, citing a need to maintain a safe and civil space.
Following the protests, the government requested TikTok’s traffic, streaming, and monetisation data. According to Sabar, the company provided only partial information due to internal procedures.
Indonesia suspends TikTok’s registration because the platform failed to meet its obligations under local electronic provider regulations. These rules require all registered companies to share requested data with the government for supervision. Failure to comply can result in suspension or blocking.
TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, has over 100 million Indonesian accounts. The company has not responded to requests for comment regarding the suspension.
It remains unclear if access to TikTok is fully blocked in Indonesia. Reuters reported that the app was still accessible on Friday, and the communications ministry did not provide immediate clarification.
This development highlights growing tensions between global tech platforms and Indonesian authorities over compliance with local laws. Indonesia suspends services when companies fail to meet regulatory requirements, demonstrating the government’s enforcement approach.
Analysts note that the decision could affect TikTok’s business operations and its user base in Indonesia, which is one of the company’s largest markets. Observers are closely monitoring whether TikTok will provide the required data or appeal the suspension.
The move underscores the importance of regulatory compliance for digital platforms operating in Indonesia and reflects broader global scrutiny on social media companies regarding transparency and content monitoring.
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