Indonesia has announced a sweeping new regulation that will block access to social media for users under 16, making it the first major non-Western country to take such a step in a move aimed at shielding children from online harm. The measure targets platforms from YouTube and TikTok to Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox, with phased implementation starting March 28.
The Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs, led by Meutya Hafid, cited rising threats to children’s safety and well-being, including exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud, and addiction. “We are taking this step to reclaim sovereignty over our children’s future,” Hafid said. “Technology should humanize humanity, not sacrifice our children’s childhoods.” She acknowledged the potential discomfort for parents and children alike but described the regulation as a necessary response to what the government calls a “digital emergency.”
Indonesia’s move comes in the wake of Australia’s similar legislation, which took effect in December, and amid discussions in Malaysia and Spain to impose comparable restrictions. Nearly 80 percent of Indonesian children are already online, according to government figures, highlighting the urgency for the authorities to intervene. The ministry warned that social media platforms failing to comply with the new rules could face administrative fines, temporary suspensions, or permanent termination of access, while emphasizing that penalties would target the companies, not the children or parents.
The regulation follows a recent inspection of Meta’s Jakarta office, where the government issued a stern warning over low compliance with rules against online gambling content, disinformation, slander, and hate speech. Meta, which counts Indonesia as one of its largest user bases with over 112 million registered Facebook and WhatsApp accounts, showed the lowest compliance rates among major platforms operating in the country. The government has not yet released details on the enforcement mechanisms, but the decision signals a growing global consensus on the need to protect children from unregulated social media exposure.
