Indonesia Bans Social Media for Under-16s

Indonesia will ban children under the age of 16 from using major social media platforms under a new government regulation aimed at protecting minors online.

Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid announced Friday that she had signed a regulation prohibiting minors under 16 from holding accounts on high-risk digital platforms.

The restriction applies to several widely used services, including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox.

The new rule is part of Indonesia’s broader effort to strengthen digital safety for young users and limit children’s exposure to harmful online content.

Authorities say the measure aims to encourage safer internet use while prompting families and technology companies to take greater responsibility for protecting minors in the rapidly expanding digital environment.