By Our Correspondent
National News – The government of Indonesia has begun enforcing a nationwide ban on social media access for children under 16 years old, a move authorities say is aimed at protecting young users from harmful online content.
The restriction took effect on Saturday, with officials warning digital platforms that compliance with the new regulation is mandatory.
Communications Minister Meutya Hafid said there would be “no room for compromise” as the Southeast Asian country pushes to safeguard minors from risks linked to social media use.
The regulation requires social media companies to prevent users below the age of 16 from opening or maintaining accounts on their platforms in Indonesia.
According to Hafid, some platforms have already complied with the directive by updating their minimum age requirements and strengthening verification systems.
Among those reported to have aligned with the policy are X (formerly Twitter) and Bigo Live, which adjusted their user age limits in response to the rule.
Authorities say the ban was introduced due to growing concerns about online threats facing children, including exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, and internet addiction.
Officials believe restricting access for younger users will reduce these risks and promote healthier digital habits among teenagers.
Other social media platforms operating in the country have also been instructed to comply immediately with the regulation.
The minister stressed that every technology company offering services in Indonesia must align its products and features with the country’s laws.
Video-sharing platform TikTok said it is working closely with the communications ministry to implement measures targeting under-16 accounts and ensure it follows the new policy.
The company noted that it remains committed to protecting younger users while adhering to Indonesia’s legal requirements.
Indonesia’s action reflects a growing global push to regulate children’s access to social media.
In Australia, similar restrictions were introduced in December as governments increasingly raise concerns about the impact of digital platforms on young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
The debate intensified further this week after a jury in Los Angeles ruled that tech companies Meta Platforms and YouTube were liable for harm caused by the “addictive design” of their platforms, ordering them to pay $6 million in damages to a young woman.
Lawmakers in United Kingdom have also supported proposals to restrict children’s access to social media, signalling that governments worldwide are moving toward stricter digital protections for minors.
