TikTok and Instagram Go Down During Indonesia Demonstrations: What Really Happened?

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TikTok and Instagram Go Down During Indonesia Demonstrations: What Really Happened? - During recent demonstrations in Indonesia, TikTok and Instagram reportedly went down, sparking debates about digital censorship and freedom of expression. Here’s a closer look at what happened and why it matters.

Social media platforms have become heartbeat of modern demonstrations. They serve not only as spaces for sharing updates but also as tools for organizing, mobilizing, and amplifying voices. In Indonesia, however, recent demonstrations revealed a concerning trend: TikTok and Instagram reportedly experienced disruptions, leaving many users unable to access their accounts or share updates in real time.

This incident raised questions about whether outages were due to technical issues, traffic surges, or intentional restrictions aimed at controlling narrative.

Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Twitter (X), and Facebook play a crucial role in demonstrations:

• Information Sharing: Live updates from protest sites reach millions instantly.
• Mobilization: Hashtags, viral videos, and posts help coordinate movements.
• Amplification: Global audiences can see what mainstream media may overlook.

What Happened During Demonstrations?

During peak of protests, thousands of users reported difficulties accessing TikTok and Instagram. Common issues included:

• Inability to refresh feeds or load videos.
• Disrupted livestreams.
• Delays in posting content or sending direct messages.

There are typically three possible explanations when platforms go down during political demonstrations:

Technical Overload

• Heavy traffic as users flood platforms with updates may temporarily slow systems.

Platform Issues

• Occasionally, apps themselves face global outages unrelated to local events.

Government Imposed Restrictions

• Internet throttling, social media blocking, or algorithm manipulation can deliberately suppress protest related content.

Incident highlights critical issues about freedom of expression and access to information. If social media is restricted during demonstrations:

• Protesters lose a vital tool for communication.
• International visibility of movement is reduced.
• Citizens face limitations in exercising their democratic rights.

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