In a significant step towards enhancing child protection in the digital space, Indonesian Digital Communications Minister, Mutiya Hafid, revealed that only two social media platforms have fully committed to child protection laws, ahead of their implementation on March 28, 2026.
The two platforms are X and Bigo Live, both of which have amended their terms of use to comply with Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025, aimed at regulating the management of electronic systems to protect children in Indonesia.
Details of the Announcement
During a press conference held at the Ministry of Digital Communications office, Mutiya Hafid explained that the platform X has changed its minimum user age to 16 years starting from March 17, 2026. The platform also announced that it will close accounts that do not comply with user guidelines starting from March 28.
On the other hand, Bigo Live has raised its minimum user age to 18 years from 13 years, reflecting its commitment to the new laws. User information in app stores such as App Store and Google Play has been updated to indicate that the app is intended for users over 18 years old.
Background & Context
Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 was introduced by Indonesian President Joko Widodo in March 2025, aiming to regulate how digital platforms manage to protect children from potential risks in the digital space. These risks include cyberbullying, digital fraud, and exposure to inappropriate content such as pornography.
These laws are part of the Indonesian government's efforts to enhance digital safety for children, representing a response to growing concerns about the impact of social media on children and adolescents.
Impact & Consequences
These laws are expected to lead to significant changes in how social media platforms operate in Indonesia. Many other platforms, such as TikTok and Roblox, will need to improve their compliance with the new laws to avoid penalties. Currently, these platforms are classified as only partially cooperative.
Additionally, there are four other platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, that have not yet complied with the laws, raising questions about how this will affect children's safety in the digital space.
Regional Significance
This move in Indonesia serves as a model for the Arab region, where many Arab countries face similar challenges in protecting children from digital risks. Arab nations could benefit from Indonesia's experience in implementing strict laws to safeguard children in the digital space.
Given the increasing use of the internet and social media among children, establishing similar laws could help reduce the risks they face and enhance their safety in the digital environment.