Jakarta, March 28: Indonesia has taken a significant step by banning social media access for children under the age of 16, affecting nearly 70 million minors. This action, which began on Saturday, aligns with Australia’s recent similar policy. The Indonesian government has emphasized that there is “no room for negotiation” regarding compliance with this new regulation.
The Southeast Asian nation announced the ban earlier this month, citing concerns over online pornography, cyberbullying, and internet addiction.
Information Minister Meutya Hafid stated during a late-night press conference on Friday that digital platforms like X and Bigo Live have fully complied with the new rules and adjusted their minimum user age accordingly.
Meutya urged other digital platforms operating in the country to immediately align their products, features, and services with these regulations. She reiterated that there is no room for negotiation in adhering to the rules, emphasizing that all businesses in Indonesia must comply with the nation’s laws.
In a statement released late Friday, TikTok expressed its commitment to working closely with the ministry to take appropriate actions regarding accounts linked to users under 16.
This ban follows a similar policy implemented in Australia in December, reflecting a growing global concern about the potential harms of social media on children.
In a related case, a jury in Los Angeles recently held Meta and YouTube responsible for harming a young woman through their platforms’ “addictive designs,” ordering both companies to pay a total of $6 million in damages.
Additionally, the British House of Lords voted this week in favor of a social media ban for children, increasing pressure on the government to take similar action.
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