March 28, New Delhi – Indonesia has begun enforcing a ban on social media use for children under 16, amid growing concerns over online safety.
Authorities have stated that platforms must comply with the new rules, which aim to curb risks such as cyberbullying and internet addiction, and address the impact of social media on children's well-being.
Communications Minister Meutya Hafid has directed digital platforms to immediately align their services with the regulations.
This move reflects a wider global trend, with countries such as Australia also tightening rules to protect children online.
However, uncertainty remains over implementation, with parents and users unclear whether accounts for under-16s will be automatically deactivated or subject to a new verification process.
Major platforms have begun responding. Roblox said it will introduce new content and communication controls for users under 16 in Indonesia. Meta said it has rolled out "Teen Accounts" on Instagram and Facebook with built-in protections.
TikTok said it is committed to compliance and already enforces minimum age rules along with multiple safety features. X said the regulation prevents under-16 users from creating or maintaining accounts.
Google said it has implemented safeguards for children, but warned that removing under-16 users from platforms like YouTube could create a "knowledge divide".
Indonesia had announced penalties for non-compliance last year, including sanctions and possible blocking of platforms.
Despite the measures, experts have raised concerns about enforcement. Internet penetration in Indonesia reached over 80 percent in 2025, rising to nearly 88 percent among Gen Z users, according to industry data.