Google, Meta and TikTok challenge Indonesia's proposed AI copyright rules

Google, Meta and TikTok have raised objections to proposed revisions to Indonesia’s copyright law, challenging plans that could require digital platforms to compensate news publishers for displaying their content and introduce new rules governing artificial intelligence (AI).

The three companies voiced their concerns during a parliamentary hearing in Jakarta on 11 November, as Indonesian lawmakers consider updating copyright provisions to address the use of protected material in AI development and the growing role of digital platforms in distributing news.

This puts Indonesia among a growing number of markets reassessing how intellectual property laws should apply to the technology. One key point of contention is a proposed requirement for digital platforms to compensate publishers when displaying links to their news content.

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Agung Pamungkas, Google's Indonesia government affairs and public policy manager, told lawmakers that requiring technology platforms to compensate publishers for displaying links to news content could limit Indonesians' access to information.

Meta echoed concerns over the potential commercial impact on publishers. Berni Moestafa, the company's public policy head in Indonesia, said mandatory compensation could mean news "publishers could lose readership traffic as well as potential advertising and subscription revenue", as quoted by Reuters.

Moestafa also argued that directing readers to an article was different from reproducing or republishing the article itself, highlighting the distinction between referring users to publishers' websites and using their copyrighted material.

The proposed changes were first reported by Reuters in July, citing a draft of the bill. The revisions reflect a wider debate over how technology companies should compensate content owners when their material is used across digital services, including AI-powered applications.

Beyond news distribution, the proposed legislation also raises questions about how AI-assisted content should be treated under copyright rules.

Noudhy Valdryno, TikTok's head of public policy in Indonesia, told lawmakers that disclosure requirements should distinguish between content generated entirely by AI and material produced by people using AI as an assistive tool.

The distinction is relevant to creators and businesses increasingly using AI for tasks such as editing, translation and image enhancement, rather than generating content entirely through automated systems.

Valdryno also urged lawmakers to retain safe-harbour protections, arguing that platforms cannot reliably determine copyright ownership or verify whether users have secured the necessary licences for uploaded material.

Indonesia's proposed revisions have yet to be finalised, leaving room for further discussion as the legislative process continues.

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