Indonesia Considers Minimum Age Rule for Social Media Use Following Australia’s Lead
Jakarta, January 14, 2025: Indonesia is set to introduce a minimum age requirement for social media use, aiming to protect children in the digital space. The initiative follows a similar move by Australia, which recently implemented stricter age verification policies for online platforms.
Minister of Communication and Information Technology, confirmed the government’s strong commitment to safeguarding children. “The president said to carry on with this plan. He is very supportive of how this kind of child protection will be done in our digital space,” she stated during a press briefing.
The proposed regulations will require social media platforms to verify users’ ages, ensuring that children below a certain age cannot access the platforms without supervision. While the exact age limit is yet to be finalized, experts suggest it could align with global standards, typically set between 13 to 16 years.
The government believes that such measures are crucial to combating cyberbullying, online exploitation, and exposure to inappropriate content. “This is a step forward in building a safer digital ecosystem for our youth,” the minister added.
Critics, however, raise concerns about the practicality of enforcing age verification and its potential impact on user privacy. Social media platforms operating in Indonesia may also face challenges in adapting to the new rules.
Indonesia, one of the world’s largest social media markets, is expected to see significant changes in online user demographics if the policy is enacted. The government plans to collaborate with stakeholders, including parents, educators, and tech companies, to ensure smooth implementation.
Further details on the proposal are expected in the coming weeks. If approved, Indonesia will join a growing list of countries prioritizing child safety in the digital era.