The fake promotion might endanger those who actually buy it for the sake of their influencer idols. (Image via IDN Times)

Indonesia's Communication & IT Ministry to restrict 'annoying' promotions

Indonesia’s Communication & Information Technology (IT) Ministry is considering constructing a specific regulation to restrict media social accounts, especially influencers, on any platform to promote counterfeit products, medicines, and food without any license from Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM).

Acting head of public relations bureau of the Ministry, Ferdinandus Setu, said on Friday that the influencers are getting wider and more diverse. Therefore, if the annoying, counterfeit promotions are getting larger in number, regulation is needed.

A recent case saw customers complained about a steroid-fused whitening lotion that causes scratches and cellulite in certain parts of their bodies. Moreover, medical experts also called out the influencers for promoting counterfeit lotions.

Ferdinandus said that currently, Indonesia does not have a specific regulation to restrict the influencers or any social media account to promote illegal food and drugs. Regulations about illegal food and drugs are established by BPOM.

On the other hand, Ferdinandus also asked for the social media platform to help filter such “annoying” promotions, as it is also dangerous to the netizens. If the products are promoted by influencers, it is most likely bought by their fans. They might regret it later and blame the products, instead of the influencers who promoted it.

Ferdinandus also said that these social media platforms should take an initiative to block such content, without having to wait for the Ministry’s order.

Source: https://bit.ly/2woPkF5