The transformation manifesto states that the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the transformation of information technology. The changes that have occurred in five years seem to have changed in five months.
By
KOMPAS EDITOR
·3 minutes read
The transformation manifesto states that the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the transformation of information technology. The changes that have occurred in five years seem to have changed in five months.
In that context, the urge or intention to revise Law Number 19 of 2016 on the Amendment to Law Number 11 of 2008 concerning Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) is gaining momentum.
Amid the rapid development of digital technology since the ITE Law passed in 2008 and then revised in 2016, many people think there are a number of articles in the law that have multiple interpretations, which could cause damage to democracy. It could cause authoritarianism on the one hand, anarchism on the other.
Pro-democracy activists worry that if the ITE Law is not revised, it will further eradicate civil liberties, because it raises fears for criticizing the government.
According to the report published by Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network (SAFENet), the ITE Law has “ensnared” 375 netizens from 2008 until early 2021. Many Journalists, activists and critical citizens got trapped in the multi-interpretation articles in the ITE Law. The procedures in the implementation of the law have also added to the complexity. Law enforcers are often accused of siding with the régime and those who have money rather than ordinary people.
The government, on the other hand, is concerned that if the regulation of electronic information is relaxed, it will threaten the unity of the nation. In fact, there are parties that systematically produce and disseminate hate speech related to ethnicity, religion, race, class, pornography and terrorism with the use of a robot. The motive can be political and economic.
The development of transactions using computer networks or electronic media is also growing rapidly. Apart from the platform, the business models or exchange tools are also increasingly diverse. Its massive development, which has reached all corners of the country, is not balanced with people’s digital literacy which is still relatively low. It has caused many people to be deceived.
In a meeting with the chief editors of the mass media last week, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo expressed his support for the revision of the ITE Law. The office of the Coordinating Political Legal and Security Affairs Minister needs to seek input from academics, media activists, and also those who are involved in this field so that the revision of this law can fulfill public aspirations, as well as answer the nation\'s future needs.
Electronic information and transactions are like a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it can promote relationships, expand participation and increase productivity, without being limited by space and time.
Electronic information and transactions are like a double-edged sword.
On the other hand, if misused, information and electronic transactions can harm social relations, reputations, encourage various economic crimes and even destroy the state. Now, the ball is in the hands of the House of Representatives (DPR) to schedule the deliberation of the proposed revision of the law.
This article was translated by Hendarsyah Tarmizi.