While ChatGPT may open up a world of new possibilities in AI utilization, the existence of the next-gen chatbot from OpenAI may come under threat in Indonesia due to administrative hurdles.
The Ministry of Information and Communications yesterday urged OpenAI to register ChatGPT as an Electronic Systems Provider (PSE) in Indonesia, which would see the chatbot regulated by the government for the purposes of taxation and content supervision.
A ministry official said that ChatGPT must register as a PSE if it generates revenue from Indonesia.
Though the basic ChatGPT function is free, OpenAI offers a US$20 per month ChatGPT Plus option that entitles subscribers to faster response speed and priority access to new features. ChatGPT Plus is available in Indonesia.
“[If there’s a paid plan] then they have to register. We’ll see if they are targeting Indonesia for revenue. If so, we will send them a letter to register here,” Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan, director general of informatics applications at the ministry, said in Jakarta yesterday.
While we still can, we asked ChatGPT for its thoughts on the potential ban in Indonesia.
“As an AI language model, I don’t have feelings or emotions, so I do not have a personal opinion on the matter. However, I recognize that the potential ban of ChatGPT in Indonesia has significant implications for AI technology and the global tech industry. It highlights the challenges that AI developers and regulators face in ensuring compliance with local laws and cultural norms while also pushing the boundaries of innovation and progress,” it said.
“Ultimately, it will be important for all stakeholders to work together to find a solution that balances these competing interests and ensures that AI technology can continue to evolve in a responsible and sustainable manner.”
Wiser words have never been spoken, by an AI or otherwise.
Last year, the ministry told all internet services operating in Indonesia — whether domestic or international — to register as a PSE for the purposes of cyber security and user protection. Failure to comply would result in an operational ban in the country.
Though the controversial policy led to brief bans of some, tech companies, including some of the largest in the world like Google and Meta, eventually registered their services in Indonesia.
