Indonesia Enforces Social Media Ban for Under-16s

Indonesia began enforcing a nationwide ban on social media access for children under 16 on Saturday, targeting major platforms to shield minors from online harms in the country's capital of Jakarta and beyond. The regulation, approved earlier this month, prohibits accounts on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox, affecting an estimated 70 million children in a nation of about 280 million people.

The measure aims to protect young users from explicit content, cyberbullying, online scams and internet addiction, according to government officials. Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid described the platforms as high-risk due to factors like easy exposure to strangers, predators and harmful material, as well as risks of exploitation and data security issues. Implementation will occur gradually over a one-year transition period, with platforms required to deactivate underage accounts and report compliance regularly. Noncompliance could result in fines or suspensions, Hafid said, adding, "There will be no compromise on compliance, and every business entity operating in Indonesia is required to comply with Indonesian law."