Indonesia became the first country in Southeast Asia to ban children under 16 from social media on 28 March, following a growing global push to protect young people from online harms.
The regulation, announced earlier this month by Communications Minister Meutya Hafid, blocks minors from holding accounts on eight platforms, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox.
With a population of over 280 million, the largest in Southeast Asia and fourth largest in the world, roughly 70 million children, about a quarter of the total, fall under the new rules.
The government cited exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, online scams and internet addiction as key drivers behind the decision. Meutya was unequivocal on enforcement, stating there is “no room for compromise regarding compliance,” and warned that non-compliant platforms could face heavy fines or an outright nationwide ban, according to local media.
Compliance is already taking shape.
X and Bigo Live have fully aligned with the new rules, while TikTok and YouTube announced they would evaluate their platforms to meet legal requirements.
Roblox, meanwhile, is preparing to limit features for users under 13. All platforms are expected to deactivate underage accounts gradually, in phases.
Indonesia is not acting alone.
Australia implemented its own under-16 social media ban in December 2025, becoming the first country in the world to do so. France, Spain, Germany, Malaysia and the United Kingdom are all moving toward similar restrictions.
