Clubhouse Not Registered in Kominfo, May Be Blocked

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo) confirmed that the audio-based social networking site Clubhouse is not yet officially registered. The Ministry spokesperson Dedy Permadi said that unregistered apps might be blocked or terminated based on prevailing laws.

"As referred to the Kominfo Ministerial Regulation No. 5/2020, Electronic System Providers (PSE) who do not register [their app] in line with the applicable policies will be subject to administrative sanction in the form of access blocking," said Dedy in a written statement on Thursday, February 18, 2021.

The hot new digital platform which is accessible only by invitation was widely being used by internet citizens or netizens to discuss actual issues in certain fields. Several public officials also used the chat room to share their experiences, such as Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno and Telkomsel Chief Commissioner Wishnutama Kusubandio.

Dedi explained that the PSE who provided, managed or operated the service were required to register it to the Kominfo Ministry. This was mandatory before the app was ready to use publicly in a bid to maintain a healthy and secure digital space in the country.

"The registration period is six months since the Ministerial Regulation was enacted on November 24, 2020. This provision applies to all PSE, not only Clubhouse," said Dedi.

Read: Facebook Blocks News from Australia

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA