Indonesia plans social media age restrictions to protect children

Digital safety for kids sparks action by the government.

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Indonesia is preparing to introduce regulations setting a minimum age for social media users, aiming to shield children from potential online risks, according to Communications Minister Meutya Hafid. The announcement follows Australia’s recent ban on social media access for children under 16, which imposes penalties on platforms like Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, as well as TikTok, for non-compliance.

While the specific age limit for Indonesia remains undecided, Minister Hafid stated that President Prabowo Subianto supports the initiative, emphasising the importance of child protection in the digital space. The move highlights concerns about young users’ exposure to inappropriate content and data privacy risks.

Indonesia, with a population of approximately 280 million, has significant internet usage. A recent survey found internet penetration at 79.5%, with nearly half of children under 12 accessing the web, often using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Among “Gen Z” users aged 12 to 27, internet penetration reached 87%. The proposed regulation reflects growing global efforts to prioritise child safety online.