YouTube, TikTok enter government talks as Indonesia moves to block social media for kids

Tech giants YouTube and TikTok have reportedly confirmed that they are in active discussions with the Indonesian government following an announcement for a new regulation that will block social media access for children under the age of 16.

The move was announced by Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid last week, and it aims to protect minors from “high-risk” digital environments. Under the new rule, starting March 28, platforms will be required to begin deactivating accounts for users under 16 years old, news agency Reuters reported.

Which social media platforms are affected

The Indonesian government has identified several major players as “high risk” under the new ministerial regulation.

These include, TikTok (owned by ByteDance), YouTube (owned by Google), Instagram and Facebook (owned by Meta) and Roblox.Tech giants respond to Indonesia’s move to block social media for kidsThe report said that the tech industry is reacting with a mix of cooperation and caution. YouTube has stated it is reviewing the rules to ensure they “empower parents” without cutting off access to educational content. According to Reuters, a spokesperson said that the company is committed to protect youth in the digital world.

Meanwhile, TikTok is said to be engaging with the ministry to better understand the new rules, noting that their platform already features over 50 preset safety and privacy tools for teenagers. Meta previously warned that total bans might backfire by pushing teens toward “less safe, unregulated sites” where standard protections don't exist.

What the Indonesian government has to say on ban

Minister Meutya Hafid explained that while the change may be uncomfortable for families at first, it is necessary to combat rising digital threats.“Our children are facing risks, from porn and cyberbullying to online fraud and, most importantly, addiction,” Hafid said in a video statement. The company is following in the footsteps of Australia, which introduced a similar ban in December, as well as Spain and Malaysia, both of which have moved to restrict social media for minors to protect their mental health. As per the ministry, the deactivation process will be “gradual.

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