Roblox to introduce new controls for under-16 users in Indonesia following strict child social media regulations

Roblox, the popular online gaming platform, will introduce new content and communication controls for players under 16 in Indonesia, the company announced in an emailed statement on March 25, as reported by Reuters.

This step is in response to a recent ministerial regulation that requires social media and online platforms to deactivate ‘high-risk’ accounts for users below the age of 16. As reported, the regulation, issued by Indonesia’s Communications and Digital Ministry earlier this month, is scheduled to take effect on March 28. Platforms such as Roblox, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and X were identified as high risk. The new measures reflect Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen online safety for minors and comply with local legal requirements.

Indonesia to deactivate high-risk social media accounts for under-16 users

The Indonesian government has established specific rules for individuals under the age of 16 and their use of social media accounts. In this regard, the government has stated that accounts considered ‘high risk’ should be deactivated rather than restricted or limited. The government's decision was confirmed by the Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid, indicating the urgent need for a change in the operations of the online platforms.

This decision has been established to limit the exposure to content that may be harmful to individuals and ensure their interactions are safe. It has also been established to address the increasing concerns related to the effects of digital platforms on children. The platforms are required by law to comply with this decision.

Roblox plans stricter safety controls

Roblox has announced plans to implement further controls for Indonesian users under the age of 16.

Although the company has not offered specific information on the matter, the steps are likely to include increased content moderation and restricted communication tools. In addition, user-generated content may also be restricted.According to Roblox's Chief Safety Officer Matt Kaufman, the company is dedicated to adhering to the regulations set by the region. Although the specific ways this will be done were not discussed, the steps will be taken before the deadline of March 28 to guarantee that the accounts affected by the regulation meet the legal requirements for child safety in Indonesia.

What are the other platforms affected

Roblox is not the only platform impacted by Indonesia’s new regulation. Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and X have also been identified as high-risk platforms under the Ministry’s review. X, formerly known as Twitter, has announced that all Indonesian users must now be at least 16 years old to maintain an account. The regulation targets the broader online ecosystem, ensuring consistent enforcement across multiple platforms and reducing potential risks to underage users.

Global context of child safety online

Indonesia's actions are also a reflection of a global phenomenon, as other countries, including Australia, have also taken steps to control or regulate social media use by minors in their countries. These steps are taken to minimise the damage that can be caused by the use of social media, especially in terms of the content shared, cyberbullying, and other related issues.