Key Concerns Raised for Social Media Age Restriction Plan for Children
JAKARTA — Members of the Indonesian Parliament have outlined key concerns regarding plans to restrict digital platforms and social media for children under 16 years old.
The restrictions are outlined in Ministry of Communication and Digital Regulation Number 9 of 2026, which derives from Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 on the governance of electronic systems in child protection.
The social media restrictions for children will come into effect on 28 March 2026, with eight platforms required to comply with the new rules.
Parliamentary members have issued several warnings to ensure this policy does not obstruct children’s digital learning.
Tb Hasanuddin, a member of Commission I of the Indonesian Parliament, has cautioned that the policy restricting social media access for children under 16 should not limit their access to learning resources and beneficial information in the digital space.
He emphasised that implementing the social media access restrictions must prioritise child protection whilst maintaining positive opportunities for their development.
“Fundamentally, implementing this regulation requires collaboration and consistency. This rule must protect children, not restrict positive spaces for their development,” Hasanuddin said when contacted on Sunday, 8 March 2026.
Additionally, Hasanuddin reminded the government to ensure digital learning spaces for children remain protected.
One approach is to require digital platforms to provide regular transparency reports listing educational services and content that remain accessible to all age groups.
“This ensures children’s digital learning environment is maintained,” Hasanuddin explained.
According to him, relevant bodies should involve experts who understand content suitability, thereby minimising the risk of excessive filtering or platform non-compliance.
“There is a need to establish an independent supervisory board tasked with overseeing content to prevent over-blocking or possible platform non-compliance. This requires experts who understand content suitability,” he said.