Indonesia on Monday asked tech companies to register under new licensing laws, or face the risk of having their platforms blocked.

The data shows that many big tech companies like Google and Meta have yet to file for registration with days remaining before the July 20 deadline.

The registration requirement is part of a set of rules, originally issued in November 2020, which allow authorities to order companies to delete content deemed illegal or disturbing public order within hours if something is deemed urgent, or within 24 hours if it is not considered as such.

In a message sent to Reuters, Communications Minister Johnny G. Plate urged companies to register before the sanctions begin to apply.

His ministry said last month that various platforms could be blocked if they do not respect their decision, Telegrafi reports.

According to data from the communications ministry, as of Monday more than 5,900 domestic companies and 108 foreign companies had registered, including short video app TikTok and music distribution company Spotify.

Other platforms such as Alphabet Inc, Twitter, and Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, have not yet signed up.

Spokespeople for Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Google did not respond to requests for comment on the matter.

The new licensing system applies to all Electronic Service Operators, both domestic and foreign.

The government can also compel companies to release the conversations and personal data of specified users if requested by government agencies or law enforcement.

/Telegraph/