Indonesia is moving closer to enforcing strict digital safety rules for minors, prompting major technology platforms to open discussions with the government over the legal and operational implications of the policy. Companies including YouTube and TikTok have confirmed that they are in active dialogue with Indonesian authorities regarding a new regulation that will require the deactivation of certain social media accounts belonging to users under the age of sixteen.
The proposed measure forms part of a broader regulatory effort by the Indonesian government to strengthen protections for children in the digital environment. According to officials within the Communications and Digital Ministry, the rule will apply to platforms classified as “high risk” for younger users. Among those identified are services operated by Alphabet and Meta Platforms, including YouTube, Instagram and Facebook, as well as the gaming platform Roblox.
Under the ministerial regulation circulated on Monday, digital platforms will be required to deactivate social media accounts that belong to users under sixteen if those accounts fall within high risk categories. The policy is expected to take effect on 28 March, according to Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid.
Government officials argue that the measure reflects mounting concerns about online safety and the psychological wellbeing of minors exposed to unregulated social media environments. The regulation places Indonesia among a growing group of jurisdictions seeking stronger legal oversight of how technology platforms manage younger users.
Technology companies have signalled cautious engagement rather than outright opposition. A spokesperson for YouTube stated that the company is reviewing the regulation carefully to ensure that any compliance framework continues to empower parents while preserving educational access for millions of Indonesian students who rely on the platform for learning resources. The company emphasised that its objective remains protecting young users within digital environments rather than excluding them entirely from online spaces.
TikTok has likewise confirmed that it is consulting with the ministry to better understand the scope of the regulation. The platform noted that its teenage accounts already incorporate more than fifty pre set privacy and safety features designed to safeguard younger users.
Meanwhile, Meta Platforms has previously cautioned that outright restrictions could inadvertently push teenagers toward unregulated online spaces or anonymous browsing environments where fewer safeguards exist. The company has pointed to built in protections available through its dedicated teen account settings on Instagram and Facebook.
Indonesia’s policy reflects a wider global trend. Governments around the world, including Australia, are increasingly exploring legal mechanisms to limit social media exposure for minors amid rising concerns over online harm, data privacy and youth mental health.