Indonesia is holding discussions with major technology companies over a new rule that will restrict social media access for children under 16. The government plans to deactivate accounts considered high risk for minors beginning later this month.
Officials from several companies confirmed on Monday that they are engaging with Indonesian authorities to better understand the regulation and its implementation.
New regulation targets youth accounts
Indonesia’s Communications and Digital Ministry distributed a new ministerial regulation outlining the policy. Under the rule, platforms must deactivate social media accounts belonging to users younger than 16 if they are classified as high risk.
The government previously identified several major platforms under this category. These include TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Roblox.
Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid said the deactivation requirement will take effect on March 28. Authorities say the measure aims to protect children from harmful online content and reduce risks associated with social media use.
Platforms seek clarification
Technology companies have started discussions with Indonesian officials as they review the regulation.
YouTube said it is studying the new rules to ensure that they strengthen parental control tools while maintaining access to educational content. A company spokesperson said the platform wants to ensure that millions of Indonesian users can still access learning resources.
TikTok also confirmed that it is engaging with the ministry to understand the policy details. The company said its teen accounts already include more than 50 built in safety, privacy and security protections.
Officials from the platforms said the discussions will focus on how to implement the rules while balancing safety and access.
Concerns about unintended effects
Some technology companies have cautioned governments against broad restrictions on youth access to social media.
Meta, the company behind Instagram and Facebook, previously warned that outright bans could create unintended risks. The company said such policies might push teenagers toward less regulated platforms or encourage them to access services without logging into protected accounts.
Meta also highlighted that Instagram and Facebook teen accounts already include default safeguards designed to protect younger users.
Governments around the world are increasingly examining social media use among minors. Concerns about online safety and mental health have prompted several countries to introduce restrictions.
Australia is among the nations that have implemented measures to limit social media access for children as policymakers continue to debate the impact of digital platforms on young users.
With inputs from Reuters