Indonesia curbs social media as it blames hoaxes for inflaming unrest
Fact-checkers say calls for violence on networks have spiked since Tuesday when a contested election count confirmed President Joko Widodo as the winner
Jakarta — Indonesia has introduced curbs on social media in a bid to prevent the spread of hoaxes, some calling for violent post-election attacks, and quell two days of protests in the capital. Fact-checkers say hoaxes and calls for violence on social media networks have spiked since Tuesday when an official election count confirmed President Joko Widodo as the winner, a result contested by his challenger, Prabowo Subianto. Six people have been killed in unrest that has gripped parts of Jakarta since Tuesday night. Chief security minister Wiranto said to “avoid provocations, the spread of fake news through the community, we will limit access to certain features on social media”. The move imposes limits on the ability to upload videos or photos on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and its platforms Instagram and Whatsapp.
Communications minister Rudiantara told reporters the restrictions are meant to slow visual content that could inflame “emotions” and will be t...
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