October 29, 2025 | 08:17 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) has raised concerns over the growing issue of photography in public spaces, following viral discussions sparked by complaints from people who said their photos were taken and commercialized without permission.
The debate emerged online after several individuals voiced frustration about photographers who profit from candid photos of people in public places, posting or selling them without consent.
Alexander Sabar, the Director General of Digital Space Supervision at Komdigi, stressed that photographers must uphold both legal and ethical standards in handling personal data.
He reminded the public that images featuring identifiable faces fall under the definition of personal data and therefore require consent before publication or commercial use.
“Photographs showing an individual’s face or distinctive physical traits are considered personal data, as they can be used to identify someone,” Alexander said in a written statement on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
He underlined that explicit permission from the photographed subjects is mandatory before distributing or monetizing such images.
“There must be no commercialization of photos without the subject’s consent,” he said.
Alexander also noted that individuals whose personal data is misused have the right to take legal action, as guaranteed by the Personal Data Protection Law and the Second Amendment to the 2008 Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law.
To address the issue, Komdigi plans to invite representatives from the Indonesian Professional Photographers Association (APFI) and Electronic System Providers (PSE) to strengthen awareness of legal responsibilities and ethical standards in digital photography.
He added that the ministry will continue to promote digital literacy programs, emphasizing personal data protection and the responsible use of technology, including photography and generative artificial intelligence.
“These efforts reflect our commitment to building a safe, ethical, and fair digital ecosystem,” Alexander said.
“We want creative professionals to clearly understand the legal and ethical boundaries when capturing, processing, and distributing digital works. It’s our shared responsibility to maintain a safe and civilized digital space.”
Editor’s Choice: Indonesia's Purbaya Optimistic IHSG to Exceed 9,000 by Year End
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Amazon to Lay Off 14,000 Corporate Workers It Bets Big on AI Efficiency
1 jam lalu
Amazon announced on October 28, 2025, that it will lay off about 14,000 corporate employees to cut costs amid its increasing reliance on AI.
Ways to Protecting the Media Business from AI Disruption
10 jam lalu
Media content is being used to train artificial intelligence (AI) without compensation. Visibility and revenue continue to plunge.
Citi: AI Could Boost Global Banking Profits by US$2 Trillion
2 hari lalu
Citi Indonesia CEO Batara Sianturi believes that using AI can enhance productivity and efficiency within the company.
Teachers Are Irreplaceable by Artificial Intelligence, Says Deputy Minister
5 hari lalu
Artificial intelligence is merely a tool, said the Indonesian Deputy Minister for Higher Education, Science, and Technology.
Meta Lays Off 600 AI Employees While Boosting Superintelligence Team
6 hari lalu
Simultaneously, Meta is actively recruiting for its new, elite superintelligence team, TBD Lab.
Indonesia Mandates Sector-Specific AI Regulations for All Ministries, Institutions in 2026
6 hari lalu
The draft of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Roadmap White Paper, designed by Komdigi, was actually completed last August.
Press Council Responds to AI Theft of Journalistic Content
6 hari lalu
The Press Council suggests that journalistic products should be categorized as legally protected works to mitigate the impact of AI.
AI Users in Indonesia Reach 59 Percent, Industry Records Increased Activity
7 hari lalu
Indonesia is categorized as a country with a very high level of AI adoption.
Indonesia's Komdigi Blocks Access to Zangi App
8 hari lalu
The Komdigi Ministry has officially cut off access to Zangi, a personal messaging application headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, US.
Amazon and West Java Students Break Guinness World Record for Generative AI App
10 hari lalu
Amazon, together with teachers and students from 21 high schools in West Java, Indonesia, made history by breaking the Guinness World Record.
