Such a platform-initiated suspension of its own features during a major political event had not been documented before. TikTok’s decision sets a troubling precedent for how platforms may respond to future pro-democracy protests. Like Facebook, Indonesia is a lucrative market for TikTok; the country ranks second globally in TikTok users, with around 108 million active accounts in 202554. Amid ongoing concerns about platform accountability, meaningful engagement with these companies remains challenging. Civil society has long urged platforms to uphold human rights and democratic principles, yet this engagement is often perceived as superficial. Platforms typically convene meetings with civil society and solicit feedback, but there is rarely a long-term plan for sustained engagement or for improving accountability over time. These efforts are further undermined by a lack of transparency. 3. Digital Security Digital security refers to the protection of political dissidents in the digital sphere. This includes safeguarding their online communications, data, and identities from surveillance, interception, manipulation, or retaliation by hostile actors, particularly authoritarian governments. Across Southeast Asia, the digital security of political dissidents is a serious concern as threats have intensified. In 2025, governments and regimes across the region further increased their influence over national telecommunications sectors, making large-scale digital security risks more likely. A significant example is Myanmar, which has become a surveillance state following the 2021 coup d’état. The military now controls all telecommunications service providers in the country, enabling it to intercept users’ communications and monitor their online activities. The situation in Myanmar clearly illustrates how the regime, in cooperation with telecommunications companies and related service providers, is able to intercept communications and surveil users. The case of Telenor, a Norway-based telecommunications company that operated in Myanmar until its exit in 2021, illustrates how a telecommunications company can aid an authoritarian regime through its handling of user data, leading to the harassment and prosecution of government opponents. Telenor reportedly handed over data from at least 1,300 customers, including Aung San Suu Kyi and Zay Yar Thaw 55. Zay Yar Thaw, “TikTok Users, Stats, Data & Trends for 2025.” DataReportal, 12 Mar. 2025, datareportal.com/essentialtiktok-stats. 55. “Parliament Probes Telenor’s Exit From War-Torn Myanmar.” News in English, 16 Dec. 2025, www.newsinenglish.no/2025/12/16/parliament-probes-telenors-exit-from-war-torn-myanmar. 54. 18