The government of Indonesia has announced a nationwide ban on social media use for children under the age of 16, aiming to protect young users from harmful online content and digital risks.
Under the new regulation, children below 16 years will be blocked from creating accounts on high-risk digital platforms, placing Indonesia among a growing number of countries implementing stricter controls on youth access to social media.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Country | Indonesia |
| Policy | Ban on social media accounts for children under 16 |
| Objective | Protect children from harmful online content |
| Scope | Applies to several major social media platforms |
The regulation will make Indonesia the first non-Western country to implement an age-based delay in children’s access to digital spaces.
Platforms Covered Under the Ban
The restriction applies to several high-risk digital platforms, including: Facebook; YouTube; X (formerly Twitter); TikTok; Instagram; Roblox; Threads; Bigo Live.
Children below 16 will not be allowed to maintain accounts on these platforms.
Indonesia’s Digital Regulation Approach
The Indonesian government has taken several steps in recent years to regulate major global technology companies.
Key Regulations Introduced Earlier
| Year | Measure |
| 2022 | Introduced strict internet regulations allowing authorities to fine or block social media platforms that fail to remove prohibited content |
| Recent Years | Required digital platforms to pay media outlets for content used on their platforms |
| Recent Policy | Banned social media companies from facilitating online product sales directly on their platforms |
These measures demonstrate the government’s assertive regulatory approach toward global technology firms.
Enforcement of Internet Regulations
The 2022 internet regulations allow authorities to take action against digital platforms if they fail to remove content that:
- Violates Indonesian laws
- Causes public unrest or unease
- Disrupts public order
Platforms that do not comply may face:
- Financial penalties
- Temporary suspension
- Blocking within Indonesia
Global Context: Similar Policy in Australia
Indonesia’s move follows a similar decision by Australia, which introduced the world’s first social media ban for under-16 users.
Key Features of Australia’s Policy
| Feature | Details |
| Legislation Passed | Late 2024 |
| Enforcement Began | December 2024 |
| Responsibility | Social media companies must prevent under-16 accounts |
Instead of penalising children or parents, the law places responsibility on digital platforms.
Since implementation:
- More than 4.7 million under-16 accounts have been removed or deactivated.
Why the Ban Is Significant
Indonesia’s policy is particularly impactful due to the country’s large digital population.
| Indicator | Data |
| Population | ~287 million |
| Internet Users | ~79.5% penetration (2024) |
| Facebook Users | 174 million (4th largest user base globally) |
This makes Indonesia one of the largest social media markets in the world.
Internet Usage Among Young People
A survey by the Indonesia Internet Service Providers Association found:
| Age Group | Internet Access |
| Children under 12 | 48% have internet access |
| Gen Z (12–27 years) | 87% internet penetration |
Many children under 12 were found using platforms such as:
- TikTok
This raised concerns about unregulated exposure to online content.
Purpose of Social Media Ban
The government introduced the policy to address several concerns:
- Exposure to harmful or inappropriate content
- Cyberbullying and online harassment
- Privacy risks and data misuse
- Mental health impacts of excessive social media use
- Spread of misinformation among young users