Indonesia Announces Social Media Ban For Users Under 16, Accounts To Be Deactivated From March 28

Indonesia has announced a major step to regulate children's access to social media platforms, stating that accounts belonging to users under the age of 16 will soon be removed from several popular platforms.

The government says the decision is aimed at protecting minors from growing digital risks such as online pornography, cyberbullying, fraud and excessive internet use.

The policy, which will begin rolling out later this month, reflects rising global concern about the impact of social media on young users.

Indonesia moves to restrict social media access for minors

The Indonesian government confirmed on Friday that it will begin restricting social media use among children under 16 by deactivating their accounts on several major platforms.

"Accounts belonging to children under 16 on high-risk platforms will start to be deactivated, beginning with YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox," Communications Minister Meutya Hafid said in a statement.

The move is part of a broader effort to tackle increasing threats facing young internet users. Authorities cited concerns over exposure to harmful content, online harassment, scams and rising cases of internet addiction among children.

Implementation to begin on March 28

Officials said the rollout of the restriction will begin on March 28, 2026, and will be implemented gradually.

"The government is stepping in so that parents no longer have to fight alone against the giants of the algorithm. Implementation will begin on Mar 28, 2026," Hafid said.

According to the government, the ban will be enforced in phases and will continue until all digital platforms meet the country's compliance requirements related to child protection.

Requests for comment from TikTok Indonesia and Google Indonesia were not immediately answered.

Global momentum for similar restrictions

Indonesia's move comes as several governments worldwide explore similar measures to limit social media access for minors.

In Europe, an expert group set up by the European Union recently began examining the possibility of restricting social media use among children. The discussion gained momentum after Australia introduced a rule in December requiring platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat to remove accounts belonging to users under 16.

EU officials in Brussels are closely observing the results of Australia's policy, even as legal challenges against the measure have already emerged.

Countries including France, Denmark, Greece and Spain have also been advocating for stronger EU level regulations targeting children's social media use. India has likewise been considering introducing restrictions on teenage access to social networking platforms.

Government calls situation a "digital emergency"

Indonesia's communications ministry acknowledged that the new rules could initially disrupt some users but maintained that the measure is necessary.

Meutya Hafid said the government understood the new regulation "may cause some initial inconvenience" for users in Indonesia, but "we believe that this is the best step the Government must take in the midst of a digital emergency".

She added: "We are taking this step to reclaim the sovereignty of our children's future. We want technology to humanise humans, not sacrifice our children's childhood."