TikTok follows directive to restrict access for users under 16 years old

Jakarta (ANTARA) - TikTok has stated that it is following guidance from the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs to restrict access for users aged under 16 to its platform in accordance with applicable regulations. “We greatly respect the guidance from the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi), which stipulates that digital platforms, including TikTok, must clearly state that the platform is intended for users aged 16 and above,” TikTok stated in a company press release confirmed on Tuesday. The company also expressed its commitment to complying with applicable regulations in Indonesia on its Support Centre page regarding User Age Guidelines in Indonesia. TikTok has conveyed its commitment to comply with and implement the measures required for digital platform operators under Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on the Governance of Electronic System Operators in Child Protection or PP Tunas. According to information on TikTok’s Support Centre, users of the platform aged under 16 in Indonesia may have their accounts deactivated and will receive notification before deactivation. TikTok stated, “We will continue the self-assessment process in close collaboration with the Ministry and comply with the age limit provisions according to the results of that assessment, informing our community of developments.” TikTok users aged over 16 but affected by account deactivation can later submit an appeal by verifying their age to confirm they are over 16. TikTok also stated that the company has prepared more than 50 security, privacy, and safety settings that are automatically enabled for users, particularly teenagers. In addition, TikTok stated that the company routinely conducts content moderation based on its Community Guidelines, which are continuously updated. “Going forward, we will take the necessary steps in accordance with regulatory expectations, while continuing to strengthen our security systems and providing information to the Indonesian public as further guidance becomes available,” TikTok said. Eight at-risk digital platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, Bigo Live, YouTube, TikTok, and Roblox, are targeted in the initial phase of implementing the regulation. Digital platform providers assessed on Thursday (9/4) as fully complying with PP Tunas include Meta (Threads, Instagram, Facebook), X, and Bigo Live. Platforms TikTok and Roblox are assessed as partially complying with the provisions of PP Tunas, while Google, as the owner of the YouTube platform, is assessed as not yet showing good faith in complying with the regulation.