State List Implements VoIP Service Restrictions, From China To Arabia

Illustration (Photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Recently, netizens have been shocked by plans to restrict Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services such as phone and video calls on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, Zoom, and Google Meet by the Indonesian government.

However, the Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, has clarified that there are no plans to make regulations regarding the restrictions on VoIP services.

"I emphasize that the government does not design or consider restrictions on WhatsApp Calls. The information circulating is not true and misleading," Meutya said in an official statement released on Friday, July 18.

Countries that impose VoIP service barriers

In other parts of the world, several countries have implemented these restrictions. The following are countries that impose restrictions on VoIP services in their territory.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE has blocked several popular VoIP services, such as WhatsApp and Skype, through the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), citing concerns over national security and the need for a licensed and controlled telecommunications environment.

Saudi Arabia

WhatsApp calls, whether voice or video, cannot be made in Saudi Arabia. However, WhatsApp to send text messages, images, or video sending can still be done. For the record, the ban on VoIP services applies if you use local operators, not when the user activates the roasting package.

Qatar

Just like in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, which is an Arab state in the Middle East, also enforces similar rules.

China

China has even completely blocked WhatsApp. VoIP is only limited to government-owned services such as China Telecom and China Unicom.

North Korea

North Korea has banned total international calls using VoIP services.

Meanwhile, in the countries of Kuwait, Jordan, Israel, Pakistan, and Paraguay, there are restrictions or blocks of VoIP/Skype.

Plans To Restrict VoIP Services In Indonesia

The discourse on this ban emerged after previously the Director of Digital Infrastructure Strategy and Policy, the Ministry of Communication and Digi, Denny Setiawan, said that this discussion was still in its early stages and was still in discussions with fellow operators.

This discussion is intended to answer concerns about imbalance between telecommunications infrastructure providers and service providers over the top (OTT).

According to the Indonesian Telecommunications Organizers Association (ATSI), operators have made large investments to bring internet networks to various regions, but WhatsApp and others have not contributed.

"The goal (regulated by WhatsApp calls and others) is to be equally profitable. Now there is no contribution from the OTT friends, the bloody who built the investment operator is cellular," said Denny at the Selular Business Forum some time ago.