Indonesia to ban social media for children under 16

Indonesia will ban social media for children under 16, the communication and digital affairs minister said after signing a government regulation that bars under‑16s from having accounts on high‑risk platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Roblox and Bigo Live.

With a population of about 285 million, the south‑east Asian nation represents a significant market for social networks. Implementation will start gradually from 28 March and continue until all platforms fulfil their compliance obligations. "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," Meutya Hafid said. Hafid described the step as an effort to reclaim sovereignty over children’s futures and cautioned that the rule may cause initial discomfort.

Indonesia, South-East Asia

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