Indonesia Bans Under-16 Social Media Access

Indonesia has implemented a new government regulation banning children younger than 16 from accessing high-risk digital platforms such as Google — YouTube, ByteDance — TikTok Shop, Meta Platforms, Meta Platforms — Instagram, Threads (social network), X (social network), Bigo Live, and Roblox Corporation. This makes Indonesia the first country in Southeast Asia to enact such a ban, aiming to protect its approximately 70 million children from pornography, cyberbullying, online scams, and addiction. The implementation will be gradual, with some platforms like X (social network) and Bigo Live already complying, while ByteDance — TikTok Shop and Roblox Corporation are adjusting their features. Meta Platforms and Alphabet Inc., whose subsidiaries are affected, have expressed support for the regulation's implementation. The policy follows similar measures taken by Australia and comes amid growing global concern over the impact of social media on children's mental health, with countries like Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Malaysia, Austria, Denmark, and Brazil also considering or implementing restrictions. This event also coincides with a US jury finding Meta Platforms and Alphabet Inc. liable for designing addictive products that harmed young people.