Indonesia lifts social media curbs targeting hoaxes during recent unrest

25 May 2019 • 4:59 PM MYT
Malay Mail
Malay Mail

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The aftermath of the Indonesia election saw protests and widespread rumours spread through social media. — Reuters pic

JAKARTA, May 25 — Indonesia today lifted temporary restrictions on some social media functions aimed at stopping online hoaxes during recent violence linked to the announcement of official election results, a communications ministry official said.

Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan, the ministry’s information applications director general, told a news conference that social media had returned to normal.

The restrictions came into force on Wednesday after rioting broke out in the Indonesian capital following protests against the victory of President Joko Widodo in last month’s poll. Eight people were killed and more than 900 hurt, with authorities blaming fake stories spread online for inflaming tensions. — Reuters