The Digester

Indonesia to restrict social media for under-16s, deactivations begin March 28

Mar 6th 2026

Indonesia will delay social media access for children under 16 under a new ministerial regulation, with phased deactivations of accounts on major platforms starting March 28.

  • Communications Minister Meutya Hafid said a ministerial regulation will delay access to social media for children under 16.
  • From March 28, accounts owned by under-16s on so called high risk platforms will be gradually deactivated, with TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Roblox named.
  • The government cited risks including addiction, cyberbullying, online fraud and exposure to porn as reasons for the move.
  • Details of the regulation and compliance requirements for platforms have not been released and tech firms have not yet commented.
  • Similar age-based restrictions have been introduced or proposed in Australia, Spain and Malaysia, and Indonesia internet penetration reached 79.5% in 2024 with 48% of children under 12 online.

Sources

yahoo.com