Indonesia proposes restrictions on social media access for users under 16

Indonesia is preparing to become the latest country to introduce laws restricting children’s access to social media, joining a growing list that includes Australia and neighbouring Malaysia.

However, unlike Australia, which has introduced a blanket ban on social media use for those under 16, Indonesia is opting for a more age-tiered model in shaping its proposed restrictions.

Indonesia’s communication and digital ministry said on Friday that it plans to delay children’s access to social media platforms. Under the proposed framework, children aged 13 and older may use platforms the government classifies as “lower-risk.” In contrast, platforms classified as “higher-risk” will be accessible only to users aged 16 and older.

Platforms categorised as “higher-risk” include YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox, according to Indonesia’s Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, who shared the details in an Instagram video.

The new measures are expected to take effect one year after they are formally signed into regulation on March 28, 2026.

Indonesia is far from alone in moving toward stricter age-based social media rules. In recent months, several countries have announced proposals or plans to limit social media access for children and teenagers, including Denmark, Spain, France, Malaysia, and the U.K.

Indonesia has said its aim is not to prevent children from using the internet altogether, but to ensure they use it more safely and at an age the government considers appropriate.

“This regulation does not impose sanctions on children or parents. Instead, sanctions target digital platforms that fail to meet their child protection obligations,” Hafid said. She added that the rule is designed to reduce risks “ranging from exposure to harmful content and interactions with unknown individuals to child exploitation and addiction to digital platforms.”

The ministry said that around 299 million Indonesians are connected to the internet, and that nearly 80% of children in the country actively use online platforms.

Citing UNICEF figures, the government said about half of Indonesia’s children have been exposed to sexual content on social media platforms. In contrast, 42% said the experience left them feeling frightened or uncomfortable.

The announcement came just one day after Indonesia issued a warning to Meta over its failure to curb online gambling and disinformation across its platforms.