Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) is coordinating with the National Police to investigate suspected illegal trading of personal data that has recently gained public attention.

Komdigi Director General of Digital Space Supervision Alexander Sabar said the ministry has also coordinated with the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN), which is responsible for cybersecurity matters.

“According to BSSN's explanation, the data leak that is currently attracting attention consists of old data that has been brought back into circulation. Even so, Komdigi continues to follow up by conducting investigations and enforcement,” Alexander Sabar said in Central Jakarta on Friday (02/10).

BSSN Says Circulating Data Is From Older Leaks

According to BSSN, the data currently being circulated is from older leaks that have resurfaced. Komdigi said it will nevertheless continue its investigation and take enforcement measures.

Alexander said Komdigi is also coordinating with the National Police over websites found to be selling personal data.

Websites identified as being used for these activities will be handled according to the authorities’ respective powers, including blocking access to websites that violate applicable rules.

Authorities Trace the Distribution of Personal Data

Alexander said coordination between the institutions is needed because the distribution and trading of personal data can take place through various digital platforms and channels.

The investigation is being conducted to identify the source of the distribution, the means used to circulate the data, and the parties involved, according to the authority of each institution.

Komdigi Warns Public Not to Reshare Personal Data

Alexander urged the public not to participate in distributing other people’s personal data.

Data that has already circulated in digital spaces remains personal data and does not automatically become information that can be freely distributed again.

“Do not participate in spreading other people's personal data. The public needs to understand that the distribution of personal data can carry serious criminal consequences,” Alexander said.

The distribution of personal data without a lawful basis may be subject to Law Number 27 of 2022 on Personal Data Protection.

Data Security Requires Joint Responsibility

Komdigi considers threats to data security an increasingly developing cross-border challenge. Data that has previously been exposed can reappear through various channels and methods.

The ministry said addressing these threats requires cooperation between the government, law enforcement agencies, digital platform operators, and the public.

Threats to personal data do not distinguish between position or social status. Anyone’s personal data can become a target when a leak or misuse occurs.

When a system experiences a data leak, protecting and handling the affected data becomes a shared responsibility involving the government, system operators, digital platforms, and all parties with access to the data.

PHOTO: MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATION AND DIGITAL AFFAIRS

This article was created with AI assistance.

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