In a groundbreaking move in Indonesia, Digital Communications Minister Mutiya Hafid announced that TikTok has closed 1.7 million child accounts as part of its efforts to protect children's privacy and safety in the digital space. This announcement was made during a press conference held at the ministry's office in Jakarta, where Hafid emphasized that TikTok was the first platform to commit to implementing Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 concerning child protection in the online environment.
Hafid pointed out that TikTok has demonstrated its commitment by closing 1.7 million accounts belonging to children, a significant increase compared to the 780,000 accounts that were closed on April 10, 2026. This rapid progress reflects the serious efforts made by the platform to ensure the safety of children.
Details of the Initiative
During the meeting between TikTok and the Ministry of Digital Communications, it was reported that the platform had closed accounts belonging to children under the age of 16 years. Although this action affected some accounts belonging to adult users, Hafid urged the community to support this step to protect children, highlighting the importance of these measures in safeguarding the next generation.
Hafid also confirmed that TikTok would allow adult users affected by the closure of child accounts the opportunity to appeal for the restoration of their account services. This underscores the platform's commitment to engaging with its users and providing necessary support.
Background & Context
This initiative is part of Indonesia's efforts to enhance child protection in the digital space, with the new government regulation providing a legal framework aimed at regulating the use of electronic platforms and ensuring children's safety. This regulation has been in effect since March 28, 2026, reflecting the growing trend towards protecting children's rights in the digital world.
Indonesia is one of the largest internet markets in Southeast Asia, making the protection of children from digital risks essential. This issue has garnered widespread attention in the country, as the government seeks to raise awareness about the dangers children may face online.
Impact & Consequences
This action by TikTok serves as a model for other electronic platforms, as all electronic service providers must comply with the new laws aimed at protecting children. These measures are expected to improve the digital usage environment for children, contributing to a reduction in risks associated with cybercrime.
Moreover, this step may encourage more platforms to take similar actions, thereby enhancing the government's efforts to protect children. Compliance with the new regulations could also improve the reputation of platforms in the market, boosting user trust.
Regional Significance
The issue of protecting children in the digital space is a global concern, with many Arab countries facing similar challenges. As internet usage among children in the Arab world increases, the need for similar legislation to protect children's rights and ensure their safety becomes apparent.
Arab countries can benefit from Indonesia's experience in implementing such regulations, which could contribute to strengthening efforts to protect children in the digital space. Additionally, cooperation among countries in this field could lead to knowledge and experience sharing, enhancing the effectiveness of the measures taken.