Indonesia social media ban takes effect for under-16s as government enforces strict rules to protect children online

The Government of Indonesia on Saturday began enforcing a nationwide ban on social media use for children under the age of 16, with authorities warning digital platforms that compliance is mandatory.

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The policy, announced earlier this month, is aimed at protecting minors from online pornography, cyberbullying, and internet addiction, as global concern intensifies over the impact of social media on children’s wellbeing.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Indonesia’s Communications Minister, Meutya Hafid, said some platforms had already complied with the regulation.

She confirmed that X and Bigo Live had adjusted their minimum user age in line with the new rules.

“We reiterate that there is no room for compromise regarding compliance,” Hafid said, warning that all companies operating in Indonesia must align their products and services with the law.

Other platforms, including TikTok, said they are working closely with regulators and have pledged to implement measures affecting under-16 accounts.

The Indonesia social media ban reflects a broader global shift as governments move to regulate digital platforms amid rising concerns about their influence on young users.

In Australia, similar restrictions were introduced in December, while lawmakers in United Kingdom have backed proposals to impose comparable limits.

The issue has also gained traction in the United States, where a Los Angeles jury recently found Meta and YouTube liable for harm caused by the “addictive design” of their platforms, ordering damages of $6 million.

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Analysts say Indonesia’s decisive move signals a powerful shift towards stricter digital regulation, with child safety increasingly becoming a central focus of technology policy worldwide.