Indonesia plans to ban social media apps and Roblox for children under 16

JAKARTA: Indonesia is set to introduce a ban on social media applications and the online gaming platform Roblox for users under the age of 16, according to an announcement by the country’s Minister of Communication and Informatics, Budi Arie Setiadi.

Minister Setiadi stated that the government is currently preparing regulations that will restrict access to social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), as well as the popular gaming platform Roblox, for children below 16 years of age. He explained that the move is aimed at protecting young people from the negative impacts of social media and online gaming.

“We are preparing regulations to ban children under 16 from accessing social media and Roblox,” Setiadi said. He further noted that the government is working to finalize the draft of the new regulations and plans to implement them soon.

The minister highlighted concerns over the exposure of children to inappropriate content, online bullying, and the potential for addiction associated with social media and gaming platforms. Setiadi emphasized that the proposed regulations are intended to create a safer digital environment for Indonesian youth.

According to the minister, the government has engaged with various stakeholders, including digital platforms and child protection organizations, to ensure that the new rules are effective and enforceable. He also mentioned that the authorities are considering technical measures such as age verification systems to support the enforcement of the ban.

The planned restrictions come amid growing global concerns about the impact of digital platforms on children’s mental health and well-being. Indonesia’s move follows similar steps taken by other countries to regulate children’s access to online content.

Further details regarding the implementation timeline and specific enforcement mechanisms are expected to be announced once the regulations are finalized.