JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — The Indonesian government announced Friday it will prohibit minors under age 16 from accessing major social media platforms, according to Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid.
Minister Hafid revealed in a media statement that she has approved new government regulations preventing children younger than 16 from maintaining accounts on dangerous digital platforms. The restricted platforms encompass YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox.
The new restrictions will roll out in phases beginning March 28, continuing until every platform meets government compliance requirements.
“The basis is clear. Our children face increasingly real threats. From exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud, and most importantly addiction. The government is here so that parents no longer have to fight alone against the giant of algorithms,” Hafid stated.
The minister explained the government views these measures as essential action during what she called a digital crisis to protect children’s future welfare.
“We realize that the implementation of this regulation may cause some discomfort at first. Children may complain and parents may be confused about how to respond to their children’s complaints,” Hafid acknowledged.
This announcement follows Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs conducting an unannounced visit to Meta Platforms’ Jakarta headquarters earlier this week due to concerns about dangerous content management across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Ministry officials stated the inspection resulted in a formal warning to Meta regarding insufficient adherence to Indonesian national regulations.
The Associated Press contacted TikTok and Meta for statements but has not received responses.
With this action, Indonesia becomes the first Southeast Asian country to limit children’s social media access.
Australia previously implemented similar teen social media restrictions in December 2024, resulting in social media companies removing approximately 4.7 million accounts belonging to minors in that country.
