The impact of post-pandemic internet regulations on digital rights: a comparative analysis of Indonesia and Malaysia / Caroline Paskarina … [et al.]

Implementing internet regulations during the pandemic has given rise to concerns about digital rights. Internet content governance gives rise to regulatory issues regarding equitable access to digital information and the equilibrium of conflicting rights. This paper examines the interrelations between internet regulations and digital rights in Indonesia and Malaysia to analyze the impact of government involvement on digital rights. Secondary data analysis was conducted using the V-Dem Institute and Freedom House's Freedom on the Net dataset from 2020 to 2023. The research findings indicate that the degree of government involvement in regulating internet content has an impact on the freedom of individuals to access information on the internet and to engage in criticism of policy in the context of handling the pandemic crisis in Indonesia and Malaysia. Furthermore, the paper examines the evolving nature of these regulations, forecasting potential trajectories and their implications for the future of digital rights. Through this exploration, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between governance, technology, and individual freedoms in the digital age, offering insights pertinent for policymakers, scholars, and advocates navigating the evolving landscape of internet regulations as part of internet governance.