The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has formally requested that Google and Apple remove the Hornet social networking application from their domestic app marketplaces. According to Director General of Digital Space Supervision Alexander Sabar, the ministry acted following community reports regarding the application’s alleged association with LGBTIQ+ campaigns. The platform is presented on the Google Play Store as a gay social network.
Regulatory Compliance and Electronic System Registration
Beyond content concerns, the platform faces enforcement action due to a fundamental failure to register under national digital rules, according to the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs. Alexander Sabar stated that Hornet has never been registered as an Electronic System Provider in Indonesia. This missing registration represents a direct compliance violation that triggered the takedown request sent to Google and Apple. The ministry requires all digital service providers operating within the country to complete proper administrative registration alongside content moderation.
Enforcing National Values Across Digital Platforms
The ministry maintains that digital platforms serving users inside Indonesia must respect local values, norms, and legal provisions. Alexander Sabar emphasized that supervision of the digital space covers both adherence to electronic system governance and the oversight of circulated content. Government officials stress that any entity wishing to offer digital services to the Indonesian public must operate responsibly and fulfill mandatory legal obligations.
Did you know? Under Indonesian electronic system regulations, digital platforms must formally register as Electronic System Providers before offering services to the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs target the Hornet app?
The ministry requested the delisting after receiving community reports regarding the application’s alleged association with LGBTIQ+ campaigns and its lack of registration as an Electronic System Provider.
Which companies received the takedown request?
According to the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, Google and Apple were asked to remove the application from their respective app marketplaces for Indonesian users.
What specific rule did the application violate regarding registration?
Alexander Sabar stated that Hornet has never been registered as an Electronic System Provider in Indonesia, marking a breach of domestic digital compliance requirements.
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