Indonesia Bans High-Risk Social Media for Under-16s Starting March 28
Indonesia has signed a government regulation prohibiting children under 16 from creating accounts on high-risk social media platforms effective March 28 as part of an urgent push to combat digital threats like pornography and cyberbullying. Communications Minister Meutya Hafid announced that the ban will apply specifically to major services including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X (Twitter), Bigo Live, Roblox, and others until platforms comply with new safety obligations; this move follows a similar initiative by Australia earlier in 2026. The phased implementation is designed to allow authorities time for enforcement while protecting minors from online harms such as internet addiction and fraud that have become increasingly prevalent among younger users globally.
Key Points
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1Indonesia has signed a government regulation banning social media accounts for children under 16 on high-risk platforms.
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2The ban will be enforced starting March 28 with the gradual deactivation of existing underage user accounts across major apps like TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.
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3Communications Minister Meutya Hafid cited threats including online pornography, cyberbullying, fraud, addiction as primary reasons for this policy decision.
Developments
Perspectives
Indonesia will ban social media for children under 16 following a government regulation signed by Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid.
— [Mar 06, 23:48] Indonesia plans social media ban for under-16s (Dhakatribune)'Accounts belonging to children on high-risk platforms will start being deactivated beginning with YouTube', citing threats from online pornography and cyberbullying
— (Associated Press) Main Link | Techmeme Pe...The phased rollout starting March 28 allows authorities time to work with digital platform providers while protecting young users.
— [Mar 06, 13:45] Indonesia plans social media ban for under-16s (Dhakatribune)'Parents no longer have to fight alone against the giants of the algorithm' as this follows Australia's lead in online safety measures
— (Variety)