Government Restricts Social Media and AI Access for Children to Prevent Cognitive Decline
JAKARTA — The Indonesian government has begun restricting social media and artificial intelligence access for children as part of efforts to protect the mental health and cognitive development of young people in the digital era.
The policy is being implemented through several regulations, including a Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs regulation and a joint decision (SKB) from seven ministries governing the use of digital technology and AI in education.
The government considers these restrictions necessary because excessive use of digital technology could trigger mental health disorders, device addiction, and cognitive decline in children.
Under this regulation, the government is delaying account access for children under 16 years old on digital platforms deemed high-risk, including social media and networking services.
Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid announced that the policy will be implemented starting 28 March 2026.
“Today we are issuing a ministerial regulation derived from the Presidential Regulation on Future Generation. Through this regulation, the government is delaying account access for children under 16 years old on high-risk digital platforms, including social media and networking services,” Meutya stated in her statement on Friday (6 March 2026).
Meutya said the policy implementation will be carried out in stages until all platforms comply with their obligations.
According to her, this step is being taken to protect the future of children amid rapid developments in digital technology.
“We are taking this action to reclaim the sovereignty of our children’s future. We want technology to serve humanity, not sacrifice our children’s childhood,” Meutya said.
“Even when content is not problematic, excessive use of digital platforms can also cause addiction that impacts children’s mental health and development,” Meutya added.
The government also considers the policy will help parents navigate increasingly complex digital algorithms.
“The government ensures that responsibility for child protection rests with the platforms managing digital spaces, so parents do not have to face this challenge alone,” Meutya said.