TikTok says it’s engaging with Indonesia authorities after licence suspended
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While TikTok shared partial information, officials said it stopped short of meeting the government’s full request.
PHOTO: AFP
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JAKARTA – TikTok said it is working with the Indonesian authorities to resolve a dispute that led to the suspension of its local operating licence, after the company declined to fully share data on its live-streaming activity during nationwide protests in August.
“At TikTok, we respect the laws and regulations of the markets we operate in,” the company said in a statement late on Oct 3.
“We are working closely with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs to address this matter constructively, while remaining committed to safeguarding user privacy and ensuring that our platform provides a safe and responsible experience for the community in Indonesia.”
Indonesia’s Communication Ministry announced the suspension on Oct 3, citing a violation of obligations as a private electronic system operator.
The decision followed TikTok’s refusal to provide complete data on user activity during the Aug 25-30 protests, which flared up after the death of a delivery driver.
While the company shared partial information, officials said it stopped short of meeting the government’s full request.
The suspension is an administrative measure and does not amount to an application shutdown, meaning TikTok services remain accessible, Mr Alexander Sabar, a director-general at the ministry, said in a text message late on Oct 3.
He added that TikTok had responded positively and reached out to provide a “constructive solution to fulfil its obligations”.
“The suspension could be revoked if the company meets its obligations,” Mr Sabar said.
The suspension followed a Sept 23 letter in which TikTok told the ministry its internal policies prevented it from fully complying with the data request.
TikTok temporarily paused its live-streaming function
The suspension highlights the regulatory challenges faced by the Chinese-owned platform in one of its biggest markets, where the authorities have been tightening oversight of social media and e-commerce platforms.
The outcome of negotiations with Jakarta will be closely watched, as Indonesia has been central to TikTok’s strategy for South-east Asia, both for user growth and for its push into online shopping.
The country ranks among the largest contributors to TikTok Shop’s gross merchandise value globally. BLOOMBERG
