Indonesia is moving to restrict social media access for children under 16, following a similar step taken by Australia. The new regulation, announced by Indonesia’s communication and digital affairs minister, Meutya Hafid, will require platforms deemed “high-risk” to delete accounts belonging to users under the age of 16, beginning on March 28.
New Regulations and Affected Platforms
The implementation of the ban will be phased, starting with major platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Roblox, and Bigo Live, a live-streaming platform based in Singapore. Minister Hafid stated that all platforms will be required to fulfill compliance obligations set by the Indonesian government, though the specifics of those obligations have not yet been publicly detailed.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has stated to The New York Times that it has not yet received the official regulation from Indonesia and is awaiting further details.
A Growing Global Trend
Indonesia is not alone in considering such restrictions. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced last month that the country is preparing to ban social media for users under 16, and Malaysia’s cabinet has approved a similar ban expected to grab effect later this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the ban take effect?
The ban will begin on March 28, with a phased implementation across various platforms.
Which platforms are included in the ban?
The initial platforms affected include YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Roblox, and Bigo Live.
Has Meta responded to the ban?
A Meta spokesperson stated that the company has not yet received the official regulation from Indonesia and is awaiting details.
As more countries consider similar restrictions, how might these policies impact the future of social media and its role in the lives of young people?
