Minister of Communications and Digital Bans Under-16s from Having Social Media Accounts, Effective from 28 March 2026

Jakarta — The Ministry of Communications and Digital (Kondisi) has banned children under 16 from owning accounts on social media and digital platforms deemed high-risk. The policy is enshrined in Ministerial Regulation Number 9 of 2026, a derivative of the PP Tunas. It will take effect on 28 March 2026. Minister of Communications and Digital Meutya Hafid said the policy was adopted as the government’s responsibility to safeguard children on digital platforms. The policy will be implemented in stages starting with YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox. Meutya notes that the decision was taken because threats in the digital space for children are increasingly real, such as pornography, cyberbullying, online scams, and digital addiction. ‘We understand this step may cause some initial discomfort. But the government cannot stay silent when the future of our children is at stake,’ she said. The government ensures child protection responsibility lies with the platforms that manage digital spaces, so parents do not have to face this challenge alone. ‘Technology must humanize people, not sacrifice our children’s childhood,’ Meutya said.