Indonesia To Ban Social Media For Children Under 16
Source: Slashdot
Background
Indonesia will ban children under 16 from having accounts on major social media platforms as part of a government push to protect minors from harmful content, addiction, and online threats. The rule will roll out starting 28 March, making Indonesia the first country in Southeast Asia to impose such a restriction.
Details of the Ban
The regulation, signed by Meutya Hafid, means children under the age of 16 can no longer have accounts on high‑risk digital platforms, including:
- YouTube
- TikTok
- Threads
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Roblox
- Bigo Live (a popular livestreaming site)
With a population of about 285 million, the fourth‑largest in the world, Indonesia represents a significant market for social networks.
Implementation Timeline
Implementation will start gradually from 28 March and continue until all platforms fulfill their compliance obligations.
Government Statement
“The basis is clear. Our children face increasingly real threats—from exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud, and most importantly addiction. The government is here so that parents no longer have to fight alone against the giant of algorithms.” – Meutya Hafid
Hafid added that the step is taken as the best effort amid a “digital emergency” to reclaim sovereignty over children’s futures. She acknowledged that the regulation may cause some discomfort initially, with children possibly complaining and parents feeling confused about how to respond.