JAKARTA, Indonesia: Indonesia has started enforcing a nationwide ban on social media use for children under the age of 16, with authorities warning that compliance is mandatory and non-negotiable.
The regulation, introduced earlier this month, aims to protect young users from risks such as online pornography, cyberbullying and internet addiction, as global concerns continue to grow over the effects of social media on children’s wellbeing.
Communications Minister Meutya Hafid confirmed that some platforms, including X and Bigo Live, have already complied with the new rules by adjusting their minimum user age requirements. She urged other companies operating in Indonesia to promptly update their services, features and policies to meet the legal standards.
“We reiterate that there is no room for compromise regarding compliance, and that every business entity operating in Indonesia is required to adhere to the laws in force within the country,” she said.
TikTok
TikTok also stated that it is working closely with authorities and is committed to following the regulation, including implementing necessary measures concerning accounts held by users under 16.
Indonesia’s move comes amid a broader global push to regulate children’s access to social media. Australia introduced a similar ban in December, while lawmakers in the United Kingdom have recently supported comparable restrictions.
In the United States, concerns have also intensified after a jury in Los Angeles ruled that Meta and YouTube were responsible for harm caused to a young woman due to the addictive nature of their platforms, ordering $6 million in damages.
