Jakarta. The Communication and Digital Affairs Ministry (Komdigi) plans to invite photography associations and digital platform operators to discuss the growing concern over unauthorized photography in public spaces, amid rising complaints about privacy violations.

The ministry said it will invite representatives from the Indonesian Professional Photography Association (APFI) and digital platform operators to discuss legal and ethical guidelines for photography and digital image distribution.

Fotoyu, a locally developed platform that allows users to upload, share, and sell street and event photography, has recently come under public scrutiny after several users reported finding their images online without consent. Critics argue the app lacks sufficient safeguards to prevent misuse of personal photos, while supporters say it promotes local creativity and offers new income opportunities for photographers.

“We want to ensure creative professionals understand the legal and ethical limits when capturing, editing, and sharing digital works. This is part of our shared responsibility to maintain a safe and civilized digital space,” said Alexander Sabar, the ministry’s Director General for Digital Space Oversight, on Thursday.

Alexander said that every photo shoot and publication must comply with data protection laws, emphasizing that photos showing identifiable faces are considered personal data and cannot be distributed without consent.

“There must be a clear legal basis for processing any form of personal data, such as obtaining explicit consent from the data subject,” he said, adding that commercial use of such photos without approval is strictly prohibited.

He also reminded photographers to respect copyright and image rights, stating that individuals have the right to sue for misuse or unauthorized use of their likeness under Indonesia’s Personal Data Protection (PDP) Law and the amended Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law No. 1 of 2024.

“A person’s photo, especially one showing their face or distinctive features, is categorized as personal data because it can be used to identify them. Such photos cannot be shared or commercialized without permission,” Alexander concluded.

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