Indonesia outlines plan to limit under-16s’ access to social media

Indonesia plans to restrict social media access for users under 16, allowing age-gated use for children 13+. Higher-risk platforms like TikTok and Instagram will be accessible only to those over 16. The goal is to ensure safer online experiences for children. These regulations are set to take effect by March 28, 2026, following similar moves by countries like Australia and Malaysia.

Key Points

• Indonesia is implementing laws to limit social media access for children, with age-gated regulations.
• Children 13+ can use lower-risk social media; higher-risk platforms are restricted to users over 16.
• The initiative aims to reduce exposure to harmful content and interactions on social media.
• The legislation will not penalize children or parents but will target platforms for failing to protect minors.
• Statistics reveal that many Indonesian children encounter disturbing content on social media.

Relevance

• The trend of regulating social media access for children mirrors movements in other countries addressing online safety.
• As of 2025, there is a growing emphasis on digital safety concerning youth, reflecting broader societal concerns over online content.
• Regulations in countries like Denmark, France, and the U.K. highlight a global shift towards protecting children's online experiences.

Indonesia's new social media regulations reflect a growing global trend to safeguard children online by implementing age restrictions, ensuring that access to digital platforms is aligned with developmental appropriateness and safety.