Indonesia has become the latest, and most populous, country to say it will ban social media for under-16s. The country – which has the fourth biggest population in the world – has approved new restrictions designed to protect young people online.
And with high levels of internet use among its more than 284 million people, the ban could have a big impact.Since Australia brought in the world’s first ban of under-16s on social media in December, a succession of other countries – including Spain, France, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece and Italy – have said they plan to do the same.
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Indonesia’s communications and digital minister, Meutya Hafid, said her government would “delay access” for under-16s until platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X, Youtube and Roblox “perform their obligations”.
She did not elaborate on what the obligations are.
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From 28 March, accounts belonging to teenagers under 16 on the “high-risk platforms” would be gradually deactivated, the minister announced.”We realise this may cause discomfort in the beginning,” Ms Hafid said in a video statement.”Children may complain and parents may be confused dealing with their complaints.”
She said Indonesia would be the first non-Western country to impose such restrictions, and said they were needed because: “Our children are facing risks, from porn, cyberbullying, online fraud to most importantly, addiction.”
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Malaysia will begin enforcing a ban this year, after lawmakers voted for the restrictions in November.Read more from Jattvibe:Do you want to ban kids from social media? The government is askingMeet the kids who want a social media banTikTok, Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, Roblox, Google and X did not immediately respond to Jattvibe’ request for comment.
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Around 79.5% of Indonesia’s population use the internet, according to a 2024 survey of 8,700 people by the Indonesia internet service providers’ association.
The research also showed showed 48% of children under 12 had access to the internet, with some respondents of that age group using Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. It revealed internet use rose to 87% among “Gen Z” users aged 12 to 27.
