We should ensure that the agency should uphold the freedom of speech and strengthen democracy."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Public Information Commission (KIP) has expressed support to the swift formation of the Indonesian National Cyber Agency.
"However, the agency should not be used by certain parties to target people who voice their criticism and opinion to the government," KIP Commissioner Yhannu Setyawan stated in a press release here on Monday.
He remarked: "We should ensure that the agency should uphold the freedom of speech and strengthen democracy."
He noted that the KIP had expressed readiness to help optimize the National Cyber Agency that will focus on providing and disseminating information.
Commission I Chairman Abdul Kharis Almasyhari had earlier emphasized that the establishment of a cyber agency is expected to prevent the people from being misled by hoax news, as it could lead to slander.
The Commission I chairman of the House of Representatives pointed out that pieces of information presented to the public should be valid and accurate, so that they do not create slander.
"I think hoax news should not be circulated regardless of how small it is, as it would mislead the people," he remarked.
In addition, the president had ordered the police to investigate social media accounts allegedly spreading fake news.
The government, through the Communication and Information Ministry, will block unreliable news portals that violate the existing Press Law and other regulations.
By the end of December 2016, the ministry had blocked 11 websites: voa-islam.com, nahimunkar.com, kiblat.net, bisyarah.com, dakwahtangerang.com, islampos.com, suaranews.com, izzamedia.com, gensyiah.com, muqawamah.com, and abuzubair.net.
Based on data released by the Press Council, there are around 40 thousand unreliable news portals.
False news spread on social media can create chaos, if the public ends up believing it.
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