Indonesia has announced plans to limit access to high risk social media for children under the age of 16, starting from March 28.
The decision has been made in line with Australia’s efforts to encourage young users to log off from the specified social media platforms.
Decision has been made by the country’s Communications and Digital Affairs Minister, Meutya Hafid, through Ministerial Regulation No.9 of 2026.
The decision has been made to protect young children from the risks of being exposed to pornography, cyberbullying and fraud through the specified social media platforms, which include YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox.
Details of the regulations are still not clear, but the deactivation process has been initiated until the social media platforms comply with the regulations.
Although Australia’s legal system is more expansive, its goals are similar.
By the federal government data, after the Online Safety Act 2021 was amended in November 2024, age restricted social media companies must take reasonable measures to prevent Australians under 16 from having accounts.
Parents and children are not penalized, but platforms that violate the law may be fined up to A$49.5 million.
Certain services are not included, such as online gaming products, health support, education and messaging.
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One of the largest online populations in the world resides in Indonesia, where the announcement was made.
According to an industry survey cited by Reuters, 48% of children under the age of twelve had internet access and internet penetration reached 79.5% in 2024.
As governments test stricter regulations for children’s access to major platforms, Indonesia will become the first nation in Southeast Asia to impose a social media age limit of 16 if the rollout goes according to plan.
