Indonesia has lifted its ban on Steam and Yahoo now that both companies complied with the country’s restrictive laws that regulate online activity (via @ZhugeEX). The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Information (Kominfo) announced the news in a translated update on Twitter, noting that Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Dota 2 are back online as well.
Last week, Indonesia blocked access to Steam, PayPal, Yahoo, Epic Games, and Origin after the companies failed to meet a deadline to register with the country’s database. This requirement is bundled with a broader law, called MR5, that Indonesia first introduced in 2020. The law gives the Indonesian government the authority to order platforms to take down content considered illegal as well as request the data of specific users. In 2021, the digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) called the policy “invasive of human rights.”
Although PayPal has yet to comply, Indonesia unblocked access to the service for five days starting July 31st to give users a chance to withdraw money and make payments. According to the Indonesian news outlet Antara News, PayPal reportedly plans on registering with the country’s database soon.
Epic Games and the EA-owned Origin still remain banned in the country, which makes games like Fortnite and FIFA unplayable. The ban has sparked backlash among Indonesian users, who have made the #BlockirKominfo (block Kominfo) a trending hashtag on Twitter. Some users have resorted to using a VPN (virtual private network) to play games from banned services.
There’s no word on when Epic and Origin plan on complying with the country’s registration requirement. The Verge reached out to both companies with a request for comment but didn’t immediately hear back.
As a seasoned expert in the field of digital rights, internet governance, and technology compliance, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the recent developments in Indonesia regarding the lifting of the ban on Steam and Yahoo. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of international regulations, online platforms, and the intricate interplay between technology companies and government policies.
First and foremost, it's essential to acknowledge the regulatory landscape in Indonesia, particularly the implementation of the MR5 law in 2020. This legislation grants the Indonesian government the power to compel online platforms to remove content deemed illegal and request user data. The recent incident involving the ban on Steam, PayPal, Yahoo, Epic Games, and Origin stems from these regulatory measures.
The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Information (Kominfo) took a firm stance by blocking access to these platforms after they failed to meet the deadline for registration with the country's database. This requirement serves as a crucial component of compliance with the broader MR5 law.
The lifting of the ban on Steam and Yahoo is noteworthy, signifying their compliance with Indonesia's restrictive laws. This move aligns with the government's objective to assert control over online activities and ensure that digital platforms adhere to the regulatory framework in place.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Dota 2, both popular online games, are explicitly mentioned as being back online following the compliance of Steam. This highlights the immediate impact of regulatory measures on the accessibility of specific online services and games within the country.
While PayPal has yet to comply fully, Indonesia temporarily unblocked access to the service for a limited period, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to allow users to withdraw funds and make necessary payments. The reported intention of PayPal to register with the country's database indicates a willingness to adhere to regulatory requirements in the near future.
However, the continued ban on Epic Games and Origin, with games like Fortnite and FIFA remaining unplayable, has triggered backlash among Indonesian users. The use of the hashtag #BlockirKominfo on Twitter reflects the discontent and frustration among users who resort to VPNs to bypass the restrictions and continue playing games from banned services.
As the situation unfolds, the lack of clarity on when Epic Games and Origin plan to comply with the registration requirement adds an element of uncertainty. The Verge's attempt to seek comments from both companies underscores the need for transparency and communication between technology companies and regulatory authorities in navigating complex legal landscapes.
In conclusion, the recent developments in Indonesia exemplify the evolving challenges at the intersection of technology, regulation, and user rights. The delicate balance between upholding national laws and respecting digital rights continues to be a focal point in the ongoing discourse on internet governance.
