Indonesia Proposes Mandatory Mobile Verification for Social Media Accounts

• •Indonesia plans to require mobile phone verification for social media accounts.
• •The initiative aims to address serious cyber threats including disinformation and online fraud.
• •Robust personal data protection and transparency are essential for successful implementation.

On May 22, 2026, Nurul Arifin, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, endorsed a plan by the Ministry of Communication and Digital to mandate mobile phone number verification for social media accounts. This initiative aims to combat various cyber threats, including hoaxes, deepfakes, online gambling, child exploitation, and cross-border digital crimes. Arifin emphasized that the digital space has evolved into a critical domain for economic, political, and national security. He noted that while Indonesia can learn from other countries' approaches to digital identity, it should maintain its democratic values. The policy is intended to enhance accountability without infringing on freedom of expression. However, Arifin cautioned against hasty implementation, stressing the need for robust personal data protection and transparent governance. He also called for global platforms like Meta and TikTok to contribute to securing Indonesia's digital environment.