The Indonesian government will begin enforcing age limits for social media under Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025, known as PP TUNAS, a derivative regulation of Indonesia’s Personal Data Protection Law.
The regulation introduces stricter requirements for digital platforms operating in Indonesia. It obliges Electronic System Providers (PSE) to implement age verification, restrict access for underage users, and strengthen safeguards designed to protect children in digital spaces.
Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid said the policy reflects the government’s priority to enhance child protection amid rapid digital expansion.
She stated that the government had examined global practices before drafting the regulation. According to her, several countries have introduced age limits for social media and strengthened child protection frameworks.
“So far, there have been no reports of the economic impact of the regulation on delaying the age of children in the digital realm. That’s a one-sided claim that hasn’t been proven,” she said in Jakarta on 28 February 2026.
Under PP Tunas, platforms classified as high risk must either restrict access for users under 16 or implement parental supervision mechanisms. Access for minors will no longer be fully independent.
Minister Meutya Hafid said the classification of platforms, technical procedures and monitoring systems were designed after consultations with stakeholders.
“But of course, we will note and respond to this input, and we will be careful in determining the classification,” she said.
The minister confirmed that full enforcement is scheduled for March 2026, following a one-year transition period.
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Indonesia Ban Social Media: Platforms Urged to Prepare for March 2026 Implementation
PP Tunas was ratified by President Prabowo Subianto on 28 March 2025 and came into effect on 1 April 2025. The regulation provided a one-year adjustment period before enforcement measures begin.
Speaking to reporters at her residence in South Jakarta on Friday (27 February), Meutya urged digital platforms to ensure readiness.
We feel that we have made it clear enough that this will start in March. So hopefully they (the platforms) will also support it, because we must understand and acknowledge that this regulation is to protect children in this country, in the digital realm, and it will be effective with the support and willingness of our friends at the platforms to also comply and follow the regulation,” said Meutya, after the Media Iftar event at the Official Residence of the Minister of Communication and Information Technology, South Jakarta, on Friday evening (27/2/2026), as quoted from DetikNews.
She said effective protection would depend on platform compliance.
The regulation requires every PSE to filter content potentially harmful to children, provide accessible reporting mechanisms, and ensure a swift and transparent remediation process.
It also mandates age verification systems, technical safeguards, and a prohibition on profiling children’s data for commercial purposes. Social media platforms, such as Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, must prioritise child protection over commercial interests and refrain from treating children as commodities in the digital ecosystem.
Strict sanctions may be imposed on platforms that fail to comply.
Meutya previously stated in mid-December that implementation required detailed preparation.
“Why hasn’t it been felt yet? Well, as it’s a regulation, we have to give at least one year for adjustments. Hopefully, we can implement it next year,” she said at the time.
Global Trend on Age Limits for Social Media
Indonesia’s policy aligns with a broader international movement to introduce age limits for social media access and strengthen child protection in digital world.
Malaysia
In Malaysia, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that children under 16 will not be allowed to register for social media accounts starting in 2026.
The Malaysian government expects platform providers to implement electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) verification systems to enhance young users safety.
Australia
Australia to ban social media use for children under 16, with penalties of up to 49.5 million AUD (32 million USD) for companies found in violation.
It has identified ten platforms under its proposed social media ban for minors, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit (including online games and e-commerce platforms), since 2024.
The restriction also extends to certain online gaming platforms due to child safety concerns. Gaming services such as Roblox and Discord have introduced age verification features, according to reports by the BBC.
New Zealand
New Zealand plans to propose a bill restricting social media use for children under 16. Lawmakers have stated that the proposal aims to reduce potential harm associated with internet use among young people.
The Netherlands
The Dutch government advises parents not to allow children under 15 to use platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
Authorities have cited concerns related to mental health and sleep disruption, stating that certain platform design features may contribute to addictive behaviour among minors.
Norway
Norway has proposed raising the minimum age for social media use to 15. The Norwegian government has noted that many children are active online, including a significant proportion of nine-year-olds.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle told the BBC that the government would ban social media for children under 16.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4, he said he would make every effort to keep people, particularly children, safe online.
Belgium
Belgium has set the minimum registration age for social media accounts at 13. Belgian Minister De Backer stated that 13 was considered a realistic threshold for access.
Singapore
Regulatory discussions in Singapore have focused on strengthening digital safeguards for minors. Age-based prohibitions vary, but authorities continue to examine measures aimed at enhancing online safety for children.
Indonesia’s enforcement in March 2026 places the country among those tightening oversight of children’s digital access. Authorities have stated that monitoring mechanisms will continue to evolve alongside technological developments, with further ministerial regulations currently in the finalisation stage.
People Also Ask (PAA)
1. When will Indonesia enforce child social media restrictions?
Indonesia to enforce child social media restrictions starting March 2026. Once enforced, access to social media features will vary depending on age.
2. What is the minimum age for social media under Indonesia’s new regulation?
The minimum age is set to tighten social media access for children aged 13–16 or implement parental supervision systems.
3. What does PP Tunas require from digital platforms?
Platforms must implement age verification, filter harmful content, provide reporting mechanisms, protect children’s data, and avoid profiling minors for commercial purposes.
4. Does Indonesia ban social media entirely for children?
The regulation does not impose a blanket ban but requires strict supervision, age verification, and restrictions for underage users.
5. Which other countries have introduced minimum age limit for social media?
Countries such as Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Belgium have introduced or proposed age-related restrictions.
