KUALA LUMPUR – Indonesia is considering setting an age limit for social media use as part of its efforts to protect children in the digital space.
Indonesia’s Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid said that President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the relevant ministries to prepare regulations on child protection in the digital sphere within one to two months, reported Kompas.com.
“The president, through the cabinet secretary, has instructed us to expedite these child protection regulations, with a timeframe of one to two months,” Meutya said.
She explained that the regulations would also aim to strengthen online monitoring and enforcement measures.
Last year, Australia passed a law banning children and teenagers from using social media.
Once the law comes into effect at the end of this year, individuals aged 16 and below will be prohibited from accessing platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Reddit, and X.
Indonesia, with a population of approximately 280 million, had an internet penetration rate of 79.5% last year, according to a survey of 8,700 people conducted by the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association.
According to Meutya, these regulations are urgently needed as Indonesia ranks as the fourth-largest country globally facing issues related to child pornography content.
Additionally, she noted that the government is also tackling online gambling and digital crimes targeting children.
“This does not even include online gambling, which also targets children, sexual violence against minors, and other negative aspects,” Meutya added.
Following Prabowo’s directive, she stated that her ministry, along with the Health Ministry, the Primary and Secondary Education Ministry, and Women Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry, has issued a decree to form a team that will draft these regulations.
“The regulations on child protection on the internet may include restrictions on social media access for certain age groups,” she said. – February 2, 2025