In a report titled “Building up Imaginary Enemies,” Amnesty said Indonesian authorities, including elements of the military, had amplified false narratives portraying journalists, academics, protesters and human rights activists as “foreign agents” working against national interests.

The rights group said the tactic had become more pronounced during the 18 months since Prabowo assumed office, describing online disinformation as a systematic tool used to suppress dissent and narrow public debate.One of the cases highlighted in the report involved Indonesian activist Andrie Yunus, who suffered severe injuries in an acid attack in March that left him blind in one eye.

Amnesty said Yunus, 27, had been outspoken against what critics describe as the military’s growing role in civilian governance and was attacked shortly after recording a podcast discussing the issue.

According to Amnesty, online abuse and accusations labeling critics as agents of foreign influence frequently preceded physical intimidation and violence.The organization also criticized major technology platforms, including about meta, tiktok, x and youtube , alleging they failed to adequately remove harmful disinformation targeting activists and government opponents.

AFP reported that requests for comment were sent to Indonesian authorities and the technology companies named in the report.

Responses were not immediately available.In statements included in Amnesty’s report, TikTok said it continued working with global safety partners to strengthen content moderation systems, while Meta said it regularly updated its human rights reporting and platform oversight measures.

Amnesty regional researcher Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong said the investigation identified state-linked actors involved in amplifying false accusations, including members of Prabowo’s Gerindra Party and at least one presidential staff member.

“Under international human rights law, the government has an obligation to refrain from spreading disinformation,” Chanatip told AFP, adding that authorities also had a responsibility to prevent and address coordinated campaigns targeting critics.

Prabowo, a former military general, has faced scrutiny from rights groups for alleged past abuses linked to Indonesia’s authoritarian era, allegations he has repeatedly denied.

Despite initial skepticism, talks over TikTok’s algorithm licensing could pave the way for a new model of tech cooperation, balancing innovation, security, and user freedom across borders.

As the U.S. government and ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, inch closer toward a groundbreaking agreement over the video platform’s American operations, the world watches closely.

The discussions, centered around a proposed licensing arrangement for TikTok’s powerful recommendation algorithm, mark a potentially historic moment in the evolving landscape of digital policy, national security, and global innovation.

Representative John Moolenaar, the chair of the House Select Committee on China, voiced cautious concern over the deal’s finer details, particularly the possibility of China retaining any leverage over the algorithm.

However, industry experts suggest that if executed transparently and collaboratively, the agreement could become a blueprint for how nations navigate the delicate intersection of technology ownership, data privacy, and international trust.

“Anytime you have leverage over an algorithm, you need to ensure transparency and accountability,” Moolenaar remarked during a recent policy forum. “But this also presents an opportunity for the U.S. to establish global digital norms.”

A Balancing Act Between Security and Innovation

The proposed deal would see TikTok’s U.S. assets sold to a consortium of American and global investors, with ByteDance retaining less than a 20% stake, aligning with national security requirements set out in a 2024 law.

According to White House officials, the agreement also includes a provision allowing TikTok’s new U.S. entity to license the algorithm — under strict monitoring by American security partners.

President Donald Trump previously signed an executive order in late September approving this arrangement, emphasizing that it “meets national security requirements” and allows TikTok to continue operations in the United States — a platform that serves over 170 million Americans.

The move was widely viewed as a compromise between outright restriction and productive reform, giving the social media giant a chance to continue thriving under closer supervision.

The decision also reflects growing recognition in Washington that digital ecosystems are too globally interconnected for simplistic solutions.

While national security remains a top priority, U.S. officials are also keen to avoid disrupting the livelihoods of millions of content creators, small businesses, and influencers who depend on TikTok for income and community engagement.

The Power of an Algorithm — and What Comes Next

At the heart of the conversation lies TikTok’s algorithm — a sophisticated system that curates personalized content for each user. Technology analysts note that retraining or replicating such an algorithm could take years and cost billions of dollars.

Moolenaar acknowledged this complexity, saying, “It’s still very much a work in progress,” while hinting at the need for a “new algorithm” free from any foreign influence.

Experts, however, believe that a co-managed algorithmic framework could strike the right balance, ensuring operational independence while maintaining TikTok’s signature user experience.

The proposed deal outlines that the new U.S. entity’s board will comprise seven members — six Americans and one appointed by ByteDance, ensuring governance remains firmly under U.S. control.

Moreover, the algorithm’s operations will be monitored by designated security partners, adding an extra layer of transparency to ease public and governmental concerns.

A Step Toward Global Digital Diplomacy

If successful, the deal could mark a turning point for international tech diplomacy. It offers a model for how global companies and governments can collaborate without compromising sovereignty or innovation.

“This is more than a business transaction — it’s an experiment in cross-border cooperation,” said a Washington-based tech policy analyst. “It could redefine how we manage digital ecosystems in an era of data-driven governance.”

Observers also note that this resolution may open pathways for similar negotiations between Western regulators and other Chinese tech giants, including firms in AI, fintech, and digital entertainment.

Positive Market and User Impact

The progress in talks has already sparked optimism among investors and users alike. Industry experts predict that a stable resolution could boost TikTok’s market valuation, encourage advertiser confidence, and restore faith among creators who feared losing their platform.

Meanwhile, digital rights advocates view the agreement as a potential middle ground between protectionism and openness, where user data remains safe while innovation continues to flourish.

With the January 2026 deadline approaching, all eyes are on TikTok’s leadership, U.S. regulators, and ByteDance executives as they finalize the details of this historic agreement.

Despite differing viewpoints, one sentiment unites most observers — a shared belief in finding a constructive path forward.

As global digital interdependence deepens, TikTok’s journey represents more than a corporate restructuring; it symbolizes a new era of responsible innovation, collaborative governance, and technological diplomacy.