Indonesia is preparing to introduce new restrictions on social media use among young people, as the government moves to tighten oversight of digital platforms and their impact on minors.
The country’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technology recently announced plans to deactivate social media accounts belonging to users under the age of 16 on what officials describe as “high-risk” platforms. The policy is expected to apply to widely used global services, including video-sharing, live-streaming, and social networking platforms.
Under the proposed rules, children under the age of 13 would only be allowed to access platforms specifically designed for younger users. Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 16 could still use certain digital services, but only those categorized as lower-risk and with the consent of parents or guardians.
The policy reflects growing concern among governments worldwide about how social media affects younger audiences. Issues such as online safety, exposure to harmful content, excessive screen time, and the psychological effects of digital platforms have increasingly become topics of public debate.
Indonesia, one of the world’s largest internet markets, has a particularly young online population. Social media platforms play a central role in daily communication, entertainment, and information sharing among Indonesian users, including teenagers and children.
Officials say the new rules are designed to strengthen protections for minors while encouraging platforms to adopt stronger age verification and parental control systems. By categorizing services based on perceived levels of risk, regulators aim to balance access to digital tools with safeguards for younger users.
The proposal also places responsibility on technology companies operating in Indonesia to comply with local regulations regarding youth protection. Platforms may be required to adjust account management systems to ensure underage users are restricted according to the new guidelines.
The planned policy follows a broader global trend in which governments are examining the role of major technology platforms in shaping online behavior among young users. Several countries have introduced or proposed measures that require age checks, parental controls, or limits on certain features for minors.
Supporters of such policies argue that stricter digital safeguards are necessary as social media becomes more deeply integrated into everyday life. Critics, however, often raise concerns about implementation challenges, privacy considerations, and how platforms will verify users’ ages effectively.
Indonesia’s approach appears aimed at establishing clearer boundaries between digital environments suitable for children and those designed primarily for adult audiences.
As the expected implementation date approaches, attention is likely to turn to how platforms will enforce the rules and how families will adapt to the changes. The policy could also influence wider discussions across the region about protecting younger users in an increasingly connected digital landscape.