Indonesia Follows Australia, Bans Social Media for Under-16s to Boost Online Safety
Loading more articles...
Indonesia Bans Under-16s from Social Media, Citing 'Digital Emergency'
N
News18•06-03-2026, 14:39
Indonesia Bans Under-16s from Social Media, Citing 'Digital Emergency'
•Indonesia announced a social media ban for children under 16, following Australia's lead, to combat online pornography, cyberbullying, fraud, and addiction.
•Communications Minister Meutya Hafid stated accounts on high-risk platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox will be deactivated.
•The measure will be implemented starting March 28, 2026, with a phased rollout to ensure compliance and protect young users from online harms.
•Hafid described the move as necessary to address a growing 'digital emergency' and reclaim children's future from algorithmic giants.
•Australia was the first to implement such a ban in December; India (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh) and EU countries are also exploring similar restrictions.