Indonesia blocks access to Telegram over ‘terrorist propaganda’ concerns

‘Indonesia is blocking access to web versions of the encrypted messaging service, Telegram, citing concerns the app is being used to spread “terrorist propaganda.”
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology issued a statement Friday, confirming that it had asked internet companies to block access to eleven addresses that the web version is available through.
The government is preparing for a total ban of the service if Telegram does not deal appropriately with unlawful content, Director General of Informatics Applications Semuel Pangerapan added.
“This blocking must be done because the many channels in the service are propaganda of radicalism, terrorism, hatred, invitation or how to assemble bombs, how to attack, disturbing images, and others that are contrary to Indonesian laws and regulations.”
The statement added that the service, founded by Russian brothers Pavel and Nikolay Durov in 2013, was a threat to the security of the state as it does not offer ‘Standard Operating Procedures’ in the handling of terrorism cases.’
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