Policy on Restricting Accounts Protects Children from Digital Space Crimes

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid stated that the policy restricting digital account access for children under 16 years old is aimed at protecting them from crimes in the digital space. She reminded that women and children are increasingly vulnerable to becoming victims of digital space crimes, ranging from sextortion, content manipulation-based fraud, to human trafficking. “The digital realm facilitates people in carrying out extortion, fraud, and human trafficking against women. This shows that we must collectively protect women in the digital space,” said Meutya during a discussion on a private television station on Monday (20/4). Meutya assessed that this threat can no longer be viewed as a mere internet nuisance, but as a safety issue requiring firmer protection. According to her, cyber crimes develop faster due to the ease of content distribution and the anonymity of perpetrators. “We are not restricting their internet access, but children’s access to having their own accounts until the age of 16. This is to protect children from real dangers to them when they are not yet ready in such a vast digital space,” Meutya stressed. She explained that this policy arises from concerns over the high intensity of internet use among children, which has the potential to disrupt mental health, learning concentration, and open vulnerabilities to exposure to harmful content. Currently, at least 19 countries are beginning to study similar policies by referring to the implementation in Indonesia. In addition, the Ministry of Communication and Digital continues to strengthen digital space oversight, including accelerating the handling of violent content and improving coordination with law enforcement authorities. “Violence against women in the digital space is as serious as crimes in the physical space. Therefore, this must also be followed up by law enforcement colleagues,” said Meutya.