Indonesia Bans Social Media for Under-16s Amid Growing Concerns

Indonesia is implementing a ban on social media access for individuals under the age of 16, joining a growing number of countries seeking to protect minors from online risks. The regulation, announced by Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid, targets platforms deemed “high-risk,” including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X (formerly Twitter), Bigo Live and Roblox.

Implementation and Timeline

The ban will be rolled out gradually, beginning on March 28, 2026, and will require platforms to comply with Indonesian government regulations. The government has not yet specified the exact compliance obligations for the platforms according to Deutsche Welle. Accounts already registered to users under 16 will be deactivated as part of the enforcement process.

Rationale Behind the Ban

Minister Hafid cited increasing threats to children online as the primary driver for the ban, including exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud, and addiction as reported by the New York Post. She emphasized the government’s role in supporting parents against the influence of “giant algorithms.” The move is described as a necessary step in a “digital emergency condition” to safeguard the future of Indonesian children CNBC TV18 reports.

International Context

Indonesia is not alone in taking steps to restrict social media access for minors. France, Australia, and several U.S. States have recently enacted similar measures DW notes. Spain is also preparing to implement a ban on social media for users under 16 , and Malaysia has approved a similar ban expected to take effect later this year.

Platform Response

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, stated it has not yet received the official regulation from the Indonesian government and is awaiting further details according to the New York Post.

Public Reaction

Residents and parents in Jakarta have generally welcomed the government’s restrictions, expressing concern over children’s unrestricted access to potentially harmful content through mobile phones. One Jakarta resident, Marianah, stated the need to “sort through social media again” due to the presence of both educational and misleading content as reported by the New York Post.