Indonesia Bans DuckDuckGo Over Concerns of Accessing Illegal Content

Indonesia has banned the privacy-centric search engine DuckDuckGo, citing its potential use for accessing illegal online gambling and pornography. The country, which enforces strict online content rules, blocked DuckDuckGo following numerous complaints. The Indonesian government has intensified its efforts to crack down on illegal online activities recently.

Indonesia has announced a ban on the privacy-oriented search engine DuckDuckGo, raising concerns that the platform could be exploited to access prohibited content such as pornography and online gambling. These activities are illegal under the country's stringent online content regulations.

Usman Kansong, an official from the communications ministry, stated that the decision was driven by a significant number of complaints about the rampant gambling and explicit material appearing in search results. The Pennsylvania-based, privately-owned DuckDuckGo has yet to issue a response to the accusations, which were made outside of normal U.S. business hours.

Although the ministry did not specify how DuckDuckGo's operations differ from major search engines like Google, the platform claims to provide tools that enhance online privacy. This move comes as Indonesia steps up its campaign against illegal online gambling, with recent data indicating that 3 million Indonesians engaged in such activities last year, generating a staggering $20 billion.

(With inputs from agencies.)