TikTok Responds to New Indonesian Rule Blocking Social Media Accounts on 28 March 2026

Jakarta — TikTok has responded to new Indonesian regulations restricting access to social media platforms for children under 16 years of age, set to take effect at the end of this month. The video-sharing platform stated it is currently coordinating with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs.

“We have heard the announcement regarding the implementation rules of Government Regulation TUNAS and are currently coordinating with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs to further understand the stipulated provisions,” said TikTok’s spokesperson to CNBC Indonesia on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

TikTok’s spokesperson explained that teen accounts on the platform feature more than 50 safety, privacy, and protection mechanisms. These features have been automatically activated to enable teenagers to express their creativity safely, connect with friends, and learn within the platform.

TikTok also assured it would work with the government to ensure young people can access a safe digital space. “Teen accounts on TikTok have more than 50 safety, privacy, and protection features that have been automatically activated to help teenagers express their creativity safely, stay connected with friends, and learn on the platform,” the spokesperson stated. “We remain committed to working with the Indonesian government to ensure young people can continue to access a safe online space.”

Earlier, YouTube’s representatives also issued statements on the matter. The platform stated it is reviewing the regulations to ensure its policies support its objectives, empower parents, and maintain public access to learning resources.

“YouTube is a high-quality video-sharing platform that has invested for more than a decade in child safety aspects. We are reviewing these new regulations to ensure the policies support our objectives, empower parents, and maintain access to learning for millions of Indonesians,” a YouTube representative said.

Previously, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs launched Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs Regulation Number 9 of 2026 concerning the Management of Electronic Systems in Child Protection, which derives from Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 (TUNAS Regulation).

The regulations restrict access for children aged 16 and below to social media. The policy becomes effective in Indonesia on 28 March 2026.

For the initial phase, the government has designated eight platforms: YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X (Twitter), Bigo Live, and Roblox.