Indonesia Begins Enforcing Social Media Ban for Users Under 16

Indonesia started enforcing a new law on Saturday that prohibits children under the age of 16 from using social media, following a warning from a government minister that digital platforms must comply without exception.

The Southeast Asian nation introduced the ban earlier this month, citing concerns over online pornography, cyberbullying, and internet addiction. The move reflects growing global scrutiny over the effects of social media on young people’s wellbeing.

Communications Minister Meutya Hafid said during a press conference on Friday evening that platforms X and Bigo Live have already aligned with the regulation by adjusting their minimum age requirements.

She called on other digital platforms operating in the country to promptly bring their products and services in line with the new rules.

“We reiterate that there is no room for compromise regarding compliance, and that every business entity operating in Indonesia is required to adhere to the laws in force within the country,” Hafid said.

In a statement issued late Friday, TikTok said it was committed to following the regulation and would take appropriate steps regarding accounts belonging to users under 16, in close coordination with the ministry.

Indonesia’s policy follows a similar measure implemented in Australia last December, signalling a broader international push to regulate children’s access to social media.

The development comes as legal and legislative efforts gain momentum in other countries. This week, a Los Angeles jury found Meta and YouTube liable for harming a young woman through what it described as the “addictive design” of their platforms, ordering the companies to pay $6 million in damages.

Meanwhile, Britain’s upper house of parliament voted in favour of a proposal to ban children from social media, increasing pressure on the government to introduce similar legislation.