Indonesia Implements Age Restrictions on Social Media for Users Under 16

Indonesia has announced new measures to limit social media access for children below 16 years old, as revealed by Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid on March 6, 2026. Through a freshly issued ministerial regulation, the government aims to delay or restrict account access on high-risk platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Roblox. Starting March 28, 2026, underage accounts will undergo gradual deactivation until platforms comply fully with the requirements. The minister emphasized the real dangers minors face, such as exposure to pornographic content, cyberbullying, online scams, and particularly social media addiction. She described this as a protective step, noting that Indonesia becomes the first non-Western nation to enforce such curbs amid growing global worries about children’s mental health and online safety. Other countries like Australia (with its outright ban starting late 2025), Spain, and neighbor Malaysia (planned for 2026) have taken similar actions. The article highlights Indonesia’s high internet usage—79.5% overall in 2024, including 48% of kids under 12 and 87% among those aged 12-27—making these protections especially relevant. Tech companies involved had not yet responded, and full regulation details remain forthcoming. The policy acknowledges possible early challenges, like complaints from children and confusion among parents, but prioritizes shielding the youth from digital harms.