Indonesia to Restrict Social Media Access for Children Under 16

Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country, will implement a ban on social media access for children under 16, starting March 28, 2026. The decision targets ‘high-risk platforms’ including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Roblox. The government aims to protect young users from online risks such as pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud, and addiction. Indonesia’s Communications and Digital Minister, Meutya Hafid, stated that accounts of under-16s will be gradually deactivated until social media companies meet certain regulatory obligations. The move follows a growing global trend, after countries like Australia, Spain, France, and Italy have introduced similar measures. Social media companies, including Meta and YouTube, expressed support for safer online experiences but emphasized the importance of parental control and avoiding driving teens to less regulated platforms. According to a 2024 survey, nearly 80% of Indonesia’s population uses the internet, including almost half of children under 12, and internet use reaches 87% among Gen Z (12–27-year-olds). Indonesia will become the first non-Western country to impose such restrictions, highlighting a global concern for children’s safety and online well-being.