Indonesia has announced a new regulation banning children under the age of 16 from having accounts on major social media platforms, in a move aimed at protecting minors from online harms.
The regulation, signed by the Indonesian government, applies to several widely used platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox.
Authorities said the measure is intended to shield children from risks such as cyberbullying, online exploitation, addiction to digital platforms and exposure to harmful content.
Under the new rule, social media companies will be required to implement stronger age verification systems and prevent users under 16 from creating accounts on their platforms.
Existing accounts belonging to children below the age limit are also expected to be removed or restricted as the regulation comes into force.
Officials said the move forms part of Indonesia’s broader efforts to strengthen online safety for minors and ensure that digital platforms take greater responsibility for protecting young users.
Indonesia joins a growing number of countries exploring stricter regulations on social media use by children amid rising global concerns about the impact of digital platforms on mental health and safety.
Further details on how the regulation will be implemented and enforced are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. (NewsWire)