Indonesia has begun enforcing a law that restricts social media use for children under 16, banning account creation on popular platforms like TikTok and YouTube. It aims to protect children from harmful content and is the first such law in ASEAN.
Indonesia started enforcing restrictions on social media access for children under 16 from 28 March, banning accounts for minors on popular digital platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox.
This measure aims to protect children from online risks including explicit content, cyberbullying, online scams, and social media addiction.
This move makes Indonesia the first Southeast Asian country to enact such a law, following Australia’s earlier similar measures designed to reclaim authority from tech companies and protect youth.
The Indonesian government stated that enforcement will proceed gradually until all platforms fully comply with the regulations.
Metya Hafid, Indonesia’s Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, revealed that X has already begun enforcement by reviewing and closing accounts of users under 16.
Meanwhile, Roblox has informed the government that it is developing an offline mode for users under 13 to comply with the new requirements.
The government has not disclosed details about age verification technology but emphasized it is focusing on ensuring platform compliance. The measure is expected to affect about 70 million children from a total population of around 280 million.
The Minister acknowledged that enforcing the law is challenging both in regulating platforms and monitoring account closures for underage users, but stressed it is necessary to protect children.
Reactions among children and parents have been mixed. A 13-year-old girl in Jakarta said she feels ambivalent about the policy; while she understands the reasons, she worries about missing out on social media fun.
Many parents view the measure positively, noting that many children currently exhibit heavy screen time habits.
Diena Haryana, founder of an online child safety organization, stated that social media affects children's mental health, causing stress, anxiety, and depression.
However, she emphasized that technology also has benefits if used appropriately, calling on parents and schools to play active roles in guiding and supervising children.
In addition to Indonesia and Australia, countries like Spain, France, and the United Kingdom have begun considering or implementing similar controls on children’s social media use amid concerns about long-term effects.
. Source:channelnewsasia
Read more aboutInternational News