Indonesia is set to become the latest nation to implement regulations aimed at limiting children's access to social media, joining the ranks of Australia and Malaysia. Unlike Australia, which has enacted a complete ban on social media for users under 16, Indonesia is opting for a more nuanced, age-gated strategy.
The country's Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs announced that children aged 13 and above will have access to platforms classified as "lower-risk." In contrast, "higher-risk" platforms, including popular services such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox, will be restricted to users over 16 years old.
These measures are expected to take effect one year after the regulations are officially signed on March 28, 2026. This initiative reflects a growing trend, as several countries--including Denmark, Spain, France, Malaysia, and the U.K.--have also begun to impose age restrictions on social media usage.
Indonesia emphasizes that the intention behind these regulations is not to prevent children from engaging with the internet but to ensure they do so in a safe and age-appropriate manner. The Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, clarified that the regulations will not penalize children or their parents; instead, the focus will be on holding digital platforms accountable for their child protection responsibilities.
Hafid noted that the regulations aim to mitigate risks associated with harmful content exposure, interactions with strangers, and the potential for digital addiction. With approximately 299 million Indonesians online, and nearly 80% of children actively using digital platforms, the need for such measures is evident.
According to UNICEF data referenced by the government, around half of Indonesia's children have encountered inappropriate content on social media, with 42% reporting feelings of fear or discomfort from such experiences.
This announcement follows Indonesia's recent warning to Meta regarding the company's failure to address issues related to online gambling and misinformation on its platforms.
