Indonesia Enforces Ban on Social Media for Under-16s to Combat ‘Addictive Algorithms

On Friday, Indonesia’s Communication and Digital Affairs Minister, Meutya Hafid, announced a significant policy shift: a new regulation that bans social media access for children under 16. This decision marks a proactive move to address the growing concerns surrounding young users’ safety on digital platforms.

Minister Hafid elaborated on the new measure, which she formalized by signing a government regulation. This regulation will specifically target popular high-risk platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox, restricting their use by children under the age of 16. The regulation is set to be enforced gradually starting from March 28, allowing time for platforms to meet compliance requirements.

Addressing the media, Hafid emphasized the necessity of this initiative, citing the mounting dangers that children encounter online. She highlighted issues like exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud, and the pressing concern of addiction. “Our children face increasingly real threats. The government is here so that parents no longer have to fight alone against the giant of algorithms,” Hafid stated, underlining the government’s role in protecting young users.

Hafid further expressed that this regulatory step is part of a broader effort to reclaim control over children’s digital experiences amidst what she termed a “digital emergency.” The government aims to safeguard the future of young Indonesians by imposing these restrictions.

While acknowledging potential challenges, Hafid noted that the implementation might initially lead to some discomfort. “Children may complain, and parents may be confused about how to respond to their children’s complaints,” she admitted. Despite potential initial resistance, the government remains committed to ensuring a safer digital environment for the nation’s youth.

“We realize that the implementation of this regulation may cause some discomfort at first. Children may complain and parents may be confused about how to respond to their children’s complaints,” Hafid said.

Residents and parents in Jakarta welcomed the government’s restrictions on access to social media, especially because children have access to social media through mobile phones.

“I think that it has been very worrying for minors, especially children. Because they have too much freedom with photos, videos and everything. Some education is educational, but some is misleading. So we really need to sort through social media again,” said Marianah, 43, who like many Indonesians uses a single name.

Others suggested that the government should also block other harmful websites, such as pornography and online gambling sites.

“As parents, we hope that online gambling and pornography websites can also be removed. So, in a sense, the government must also be fair. This is for the sake of the people themselves, for the children, and for the children’s growth and development,” said Harianto, 49, a resident in Jakarta.

Earlier this week, Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs conducted a surprise inspection of Meta Platforms’ Jakarta office over concerns about the handling of harmful content on its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

The ministry in a statement said that through this inspection, the Minister of Communication and Information Technology issued a stern warning regarding Meta’s low level of compliance with national regulations.

The Associated Press has sent email requests for comment to TikTok and Meta, but has not yet received a response.

Indonesia will be the first country in Southeast Asia to restrict the access of children to social media.

The restriction of social media access for teens began in Australia in December 2025. Social media companies have revoked access to about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children in Australia.

Other countries, including Spain, France, and the UK are also taking or are considering measures to restrict minors’ access to social media amid growing concern that children are being harmed by exposure to unregulated social media content.