Virtual Police Claimed to Not Curb Freedom of Expression Online
Translator
Ricky Mohammad Nugraha
Editor
Laila Afifa
Rabu, 24 Februari 2021 22:09 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian National Police (Polri) spokesperson Gen. Raden Prabowo Argo Yuwono on Wednesday assured that the birth of the 'virtual police' service will not curb the freedom of the public in digital spaces.
“I don’t think that this is restraining [freedom]. We are not. Everyone is allowed to speak [their mind],” said General Argo Yuwono at the National Police Headquarters on February 24.
According to Argo, the virtual police is to help educate the public and encourage an online climate that is free from slander and mockery that might tend to lead to criminal acts. He encouraged people to remind others against spreading opinions, slanders, and hoaxes.
“It will not be directed back exclusively to the police. [This movement] may be led by other groups. So we must collectively remind each others to reach a cleaner online climate,” he said.
Police claimed the cyber team behind the virtual police app works alongside experts in crime, linguistic, and ITE (information and electronics transactions) before the authorities send an official warning to the owner of the social media account that they deem is at the verge of violating criminal laws.
Read: 'Virtual Police' Spreads Fear Rather Than Assurance, Says KontraS
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