Indonesia will bar users under 16 from accessing major social media platforms under a new regulation, Communication Minister Meutya Hafid said.

The restrictions will apply to "high-risk" platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox. The restrictions are set to roll out gradually, starting later this month.

New restrictions due to 'digital emergency'

"Our children face increasingly real threats — from exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud, and, most importantly, addiction," Meutya said. "The government is here so parents no longer have to fight alone against the giant algorithm."

The minister acknowledged that the policy may inconvenience children and parents but described it as necessary amid what she called a "digital emergency condition."

Accounts already registered to users under 16 will be deactivated, Meutya said.

The government has yet to outline how platforms will verify users' ages — an issue that has complicated similar efforts in other countries.

France, Australia already imposed restrictions

Indonesia's new social media restrictions for children follow similar measures recently enacted in France, Australia, and several US states to tighten online access for minors.

The regulation comes amid mounting concerns over the impact of digital platforms on young users.

Edited by: Darko Janjevic and Roshni Majumdar