Indonesia is set to join the ranks of countries like Australia and Malaysia in implementing laws to restrict children’s access to social media. Unlike Australia’s complete ban on users under 16, Indonesia is taking a more nuanced approach by implementing age-gated restrictions.
The communication and digital ministry of Indonesia announced that children aged 13 and older will have access to “lower-risk” social media platforms, while “higher-risk” platforms will only be accessible to users above 16 years old. Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid identified platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox as higher-risk platforms.
These measures are expected to be enforced one year after being signed into regulation on March 28, 2026. Indonesia is not alone in implementing age restrictions for social media use, as countries like Denmark, Spain, France, Malaysia, and the U.K. have also announced similar plans.
The goal of these restrictions is not to prohibit children from using the internet but to ensure they do so safely and at an appropriate age. Minister Hafid emphasized that the regulation targets digital platforms that fail to meet child protection obligations, aiming to prevent risks such as exposure to harmful content, interactions with unknown individuals, child exploitation, and addiction to digital platforms.
With approximately 299 million Indonesians connected to the internet and nearly 80% of children actively using online platforms, the government is taking proactive steps to protect young users. UNICEF data indicates that half of Indonesia’s children have encountered sexual content on social media, with 42% reporting feeling frightened or uncomfortable as a result.
The announcement of these age restrictions comes on the heels of Indonesia issuing a warning to Meta for failing to address online gambling and disinformation on its platforms. This move underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding children online and holding digital platforms accountable for protecting their young users.
