- Indonesia has commenced the enforcement of a ban on social media use for children under 16
- The policy is aimed at protecting minors from online pornography, cyberbullying, and addiction
- The Communications Minister Meutya Hafid warned that compliance is mandatory with “no room for compromise”
Indonesia has officially begun enforcing a nationwide ban on social media use for children under 16, marking a decisive step in its effort to protect young users from digital harm.
The policy took effect on Saturday, March 28, with authorities making it clear that compliance is mandatory for all platforms operating within the country.
The Southeast Asian nation introduced the restriction earlier this month, citing growing concerns over children’s exposure to online pornography, cyberbullying, and internet addiction.
The move reflects a broader global shift toward stricter regulation of digital platforms and their impact on minors.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, March 27, Communications Minister Meutya Hafid stressed that enforcement would be uncompromising. Platforms that fail to comply risk facing consequences under Indonesian law.
“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.
According to the minister, some platforms have already aligned with the directive.
Social media companies X and Bigo Live have adjusted their minimum user age requirements to meet the new regulation.
Other platforms have been urged to follow suit without delay.
TikTok also confirmed its readiness to comply. In a statement released Friday, March 27, the company said it was working closely with the Indonesian government to implement the necessary changes.
It stated that it remained committed to complying with the regulation, including “taking appropriate measures related to under-16 accounts” in consultation with authorities.
Indonesia’s action comes amid increasing global scrutiny of social media’s influence on young users.
Australia introduced a similar policy in December, signaling a growing international push to regulate children’s access to digital platforms.
Meanwhile, legal pressure is mounting in the United States.
A Los Angeles jury recently found Meta and YouTube liable for harming a young woman due to the “addictive design” of their platforms, ordering $6 million in damages.
In the United Kingdom, the House of Lords has also voted in favour of banning children from social media, further intensifying calls for tighter regulation.