Social Media Platforms Must Block Under-16 Users Under New Indonesian Rules

Indonesia has become the first country in Southeast Asia to enforce nationwide restrictions on social media use for children under 16, amid growing global concern over online safety for minors. Starting Saturday, platforms deemed “high risk” — including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and gaming platform Roblox — must prevent access to users under 16, either by removing or deactivating accounts. Lower-risk services can still be used by younger children, provided they implement stricter safeguards such as high-privacy defaults, parental controls, and limits on location tracking.

The policy, influenced by similar regulations in Australia, is one of the most stringent yet in the world’s fourth-most populous country. Officials have cited rising concerns about cyberbullying, pornography, online fraud, and compulsive screen use, with approximately 70 million Indonesians under 16 exposed to digital platforms. A 2023 UN-backed study highlighted that about half of Indonesian minors had encountered sexual content online, and nearly half had experienced online bullying, underscoring the need for tighter regulation.

Several platforms have already begun adjusting to the new rules. X, Bigo Live, TikTok, and Roblox have announced compliance measures, while TikTok plans to gradually disable under-16 accounts and Roblox will introduce new safety features for under-13s. YouTube Indonesia stated that it supports the regulation’s risk-based self-assessment approach rather than a blanket ban. Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook and Instagram, said it will continue discussions with the communications ministry and has already transitioned millions of Indonesian youths to “teen accounts” for lower-risk usage.

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Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid emphasized that compliance is mandatory for all digital platforms operating in Indonesia. Failure to adhere could result in sanctions, including restrictions on access, and companies must complete child safety self-assessments by June. Hafid stated, “Protecting children is a shared responsibility, and compliance is essential for operating in Indonesia’s digital ecosystem.”

While supporters argue the policy provides parents with better control over their children’s internet use, critics have raised concerns that it may limit avenues for communication and self-expression, particularly in remote areas. Amnesty International Executive Director Usman Hamid stressed that “the focus should be on making digital spaces safer, not excluding children from them.” Local parents, like Tagor Ricardo of Jakarta, expressed cautious optimism but highlighted the need for clear implementation guidelines.

Indonesia’s move follows Australia’s age restrictions that came into effect in December, and aligns with a global trend toward stricter regulation of Big Tech. Policymakers in Denmark, Brazil, and other countries are also pursuing similar measures, while neighboring Malaysia is reportedly planning comparable restrictions, with its communications minister describing Indonesia’s approach as “timely and positive.”

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