Indonesia has started implementing a nationwide restriction that prevents children below the age of 16 from using social media platforms, as authorities intensify efforts to shield minors from online risks.
The policy, which took effect on Saturday, was introduced amid rising concerns about exposure to explicit content, cyberbullying, and the growing problem of internet addiction among young users.
The country’s Communications Minister, Meutya Hafid, announced on Friday that several platforms have already adjusted their systems to meet the new requirement. According to her, X and Bigo Live have updated their minimum age settings to comply with the regulation.
She urged other technology companies operating in Indonesia to promptly modify their services in line with the law, stressing that compliance is mandatory for all digital businesses in the country.
In response, TikTok said it is working closely with Indonesian authorities and will introduce necessary measures concerning accounts belonging to users under 16.
Indonesia’s move reflects a broader global shift toward tighter control of children’s access to social networking platforms. Australia adopted a similar rule in December, while lawmakers in Britain recently supported proposals aimed at restricting minors from using social media.
Meanwhile, in the United States, a jury in Los Angeles ruled this week that Meta and YouTube were responsible for harm caused to a young woman due to what was described as the addictive structure of their platforms. The companies were ordered to pay $6 million in damages.
These developments highlight a growing international debate over how to balance digital access with the safety and wellbeing of children in the online space.
