Indonesia has introduced new regulations aimed at limiting the access of users under 16 to social media platforms, aligning with similar measures taken by countries like Australia and Malaysia. Unlike Australia’s complete ban for under-16s, Indonesia is opting for an age-gated approach to control access.
The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs announced that under the new rules, children aged 13 and above can use ‘lower-risk’ platforms, while ‘higher-risk’ platforms will be restricted to users over 16. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox fall under the ‘higher-risk’ category, as stated by Meutya Hafid, the Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs.
The implementation of these measures is expected to begin one year after the regulations are signed into effect on March 28, 2026. Indonesia joins several other countries, including Denmark, Spain, France, Malaysia, and the U.K., in imposing age restrictions on social media usage, emphasizing the importance of ensuring safe and appropriate internet access for children.
Source: TechCrunch