Indonesia to Ban Social Media for Children Under 16 from March 28

Indonesia has announced a ban on social media and several online platforms for children under the age of 16, aiming to protect young users from online risks.

The country’s Communications and Digital Affairs Minister, Meutya Hafid, said accounts belonging to users under 16 on “high-risk” platforms will be deactivated starting March 28.

According to the minister, the ban will initially apply to platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox. Hafid said the move would make Indonesia the first non-Western country to delay children’s access to digital platforms based on age restrictions.

The affected platforms have not yet responded to the announcement.

Hafid said children face serious online threats, including exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, scams and digital addiction. She added that government action is needed so parents do not have to face these challenges alone against large technology companies.

A 2023 survey by UNICEF found that about half of 510 Indonesian children surveyed had been exposed to sexual images on social media.

Some parents welcomed the decision. Amanda Kusumo, a 42-year-old working mother, said government regulations could help reduce parental worries about children’s online activity.

However, some young people expressed mixed views. Matt Joseph, a 17-year-old student, said children often struggle to control their screen time but suggested that a complete ban may not be the best solution. He said the government should also improve alternative entertainment and educational content for young people.

Policy experts have also raised concerns. Nurul Izmi from the Institute for Policy Research and Advocacy (ELSAM) said protecting children online should go beyond age limits. She emphasized the need for “safety-by-design” systems and warned that age verification could involve collecting sensitive personal data from children.

Izmi added that any restriction on digital access should respect children’s rights, including access to information and freedom of expression.

The announcement follows similar developments overseas. Australia introduced a policy in December requiring social media companies to block users under 16 from creating accounts. The policy is being closely watched by governments worldwide.

Spain has also indicated it may follow a similar path, while the United Kingdom recently launched a public consultation on whether to introduce a comparable restriction.

Indonesia has previously taken action to block sexually explicit online content. Authorities have banned several websites and platforms containing pornography, including OnlyFans and Pornhub. The government also restricted access to the artificial intelligence chatbot Grok earlier this year.