Indonesia is preparing to introduce new rules that will limit how children access social media platforms. The move places the country alongside others like Australia and Malaysia that are trying to control young people’s exposure to online platforms.
However, Indonesia’s approach is different from Australia’s strict ban on social media for users under 16. Instead of a full ban, Indonesia plans to introduce age-based access depending on how risky a platform is considered.
According to the country’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, children aged 13 and above will be allowed to use platforms that the government classifies as lower risk. Platforms considered higher risk will only be accessible to users aged 16 and above.
The list of higher-risk platforms includes YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox. Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid shared this information in a video posted on Instagram.
The regulation is expected to be signed on March 28, 2026, and enforcement will begin one year later to give platforms time to prepare for the changes.
Indonesia is not alone in tightening rules around social media use for minors. In recent months, countries such as Denmark, Spain, France, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom have also announced plans to introduce restrictions aimed at protecting children and teenagers online.
Indonesian officials say the goal is not to stop children from using the internet entirely. Instead, the focus is on making sure they access online platforms safely and only when they reach an appropriate age.
The regulation will mainly target digital platforms rather than parents or children. According to Minister Hafid, penalties will apply to companies that fail to meet their responsibilities for protecting young users.
Indonesia has one of the largest online populations in the world, with around 299 million people connected to the internet. Government data shows that nearly 80 percent of children in the country actively use online platforms.
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The government also cited UNICEF statistics showing that about half of Indonesian children have encountered sexual content on social media. Around 42 percent said the experience made them feel frightened or uncomfortable, which has increased concerns about the need for stronger online protections.
