Twitter's Rebrand as 'X' Blocked in Indonesia Over Domain's Past 'Negative Content'

Updated: Jan 8

Block comes after the X.com domain, acquired by Elon Musk for Twitter rebrand, was previously used by sites violating Indonesia's laws on inappropriate content.

Credits: Reuters

Twitter's rebranding as "X" has hit a snag in Indonesia, where the new domain has been temporarily blocked over its past use by websites posting "negative" content, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

The block left millions of Indonesians unable to access Twitter after the domain X.com, purchased by Elon Musk for the rebrand, started redirecting users to Twitter on Sunday.

However, Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Informatics blocked the domain, citing violation of laws against online pornography and gambling. The ministry tends to block sites considered "offensive, criminal, or dangerous to social harmony," including those with adult content, per cyber policy analyst Gatria Priyandita. Co-founder of Indonesian fact-checking group MAFINDO, Aribowo Sasmito, believes the website was blocked as "X" sounded like an adult site.

X.com was originally an online bank founded by Musk in 1999 before merging with Confinity to become PayPal. After being bought by eBay, Musk repurchased the domain in 2017. Indonesia's ministry has reportedly been in touch with Musk's company to resolve the situation and allow the use of X.com by Twitter.

Some users were also redirected to GoDaddy ads, indicating issues still to be fixed in the rebranding. Overall, the blocking highlights complications arising from Twitter's rebranding that links its image to past uses of the new domain name. Careful management of the transition and communication with regional authorities will likely be needed to smooth the path.

Twitter's rebranding as "X" blocked in Indonesia due to "negative content" associations with previous uses of X.com domain purchased by Elon Musk.
Block left millions unable to access Twitter and highlights need for careful management of rebranding and communication with regional authorities.
Issues arose as X.com was previously used for sites violating Indonesia's laws before becoming PayPal domain and repurchased by Musk for Twitter rebrand.

Source: SCMP