Indonesia’s government has announced plans to restrict access to major social media platforms for children under the age of 16, marking one of the most sweeping efforts in Asia to limit minors’ exposure to online risks. The policy, introduced by Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid, will begin rolling out on March 28, with authorities planning a gradual deactivation of underage accounts on platforms considered high-risk.

The regulation is intended to protect young users from online harms such as pornography, cyberbullying, scams and digital addiction, concerns that have increasingly drawn attention from policymakers around the world.

Accounts to Be Gradually Deactivated

Under the new policy, social media accounts belonging to children younger than 16 will begin to be disabled over time as platforms comply with the government’s requirements. Officials have identified several widely used platforms as falling under the regulation, including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, Threads, Bigo Live and Roblox.

The government said the process would not happen all at once but would be implemented gradually while technology companies adapt their systems to enforce the age restriction.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the full technical details of how the rule will be implemented or how platforms will verify the ages of users. However, officials indicated that social media companies will be required to comply with new regulatory obligations under the ministry’s directive.

Government Cites Safety Concerns

Minister Hafid said the decision was driven by growing risks facing children in digital environments, including exposure to harmful content and the psychological effects of excessive social media use.

According to the ministry, children are increasingly vulnerable to problems such as online harassment, fraud schemes and addictive algorithm-driven content, prompting the government to intervene.

Officials also acknowledged that the transition may cause confusion for families and resistance among young users, particularly during the early phase of implementation. Nevertheless, the government maintains that stronger safeguards are necessary as social media becomes a central part of children’s daily lives.

Indonesia Among Countries Tightening Youth Online Access

Indonesia’s move reflects a broader global trend toward stricter regulation of children’s social media access. Governments in several countries have recently proposed or introduced measures to limit the use of major platforms by minors due to concerns over mental health, online safety and digital addiction.

Australia became the first country to introduce a nationwide ban on social media access for children under 16 in late 2025, while several European nations have considered similar restrictions or implemented partial limits for younger users.

Indonesia’s policy makes it one of the first major countries in Asia to pursue such a broad restriction on youth access to social platforms.

A Large Youth Population Online

The policy is likely to affect millions of young users. Indonesia, home to more than 280 million people, has one of the world’s fastest-growing internet populations. Internet penetration reached nearly 80 percent in 2024, according to surveys cited by government officials.

Research has also shown that many Indonesian children gain internet access at an early age. Surveys indicate that a significant portion of children under 12 already use online services, including social media platforms.

Because of this rapid growth in youth connectivity, policymakers have increasingly expressed concern about how online platforms influence children’s behaviour and wellbeing.

Mixed Public Reaction

The government’s announcement has triggered debate among parents, educators and digital rights advocates. Some parents have welcomed the restrictions, arguing that young users are often exposed to inappropriate material or harmful online interactions at an early age.

Supporters say the policy could help reduce children’s exposure to harassment, misleading content and addictive platform features designed to maximize screen time.

However, critics warn that such measures could raise questions about enforcement and parental responsibility. Some analysts have suggested that governments should prioritize digital literacy and stronger parental controls rather than imposing broad restrictions on youth access to social platforms.

Technology Companies Yet to Respond

Major technology companies affected by the policy have not yet issued detailed public responses regarding how they plan to implement the new rules. Platforms such as TikTok, Meta (which owns Facebook and Instagram) and Roblox are expected to work with Indonesian authorities as the regulation takes effect.

The extent to which these companies will need to adjust their age-verification systems or platform policies remains unclear.

Implementation and Future Impact

The Indonesian government has stated that enforcement will begin gradually from late March while regulators work with digital platforms to ensure compliance.

While the full impact of the policy will depend on how it is implemented, the move signals a growing willingness among governments to intervene in the digital lives of younger users.

As concerns about children’s online safety continue to grow globally, Indonesia’s decision may add momentum to ongoing debates about whether stricter age limits should apply to social media use worldwide.