Indonesia bans social media for under-16s, YouTube faces deactivation risk
Indonesia has enforced a nationwide ban on social media usage by under-16s, requiring high-risk platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube to deactivate 70 million minors’ accounts by June under threat of market sanctions. YouTube must complete a child safety self-assessment or face restricted access in the country’s mobile-centric market.
1. Indonesia Enforces Under-16 Social Media Ban
The government has launched a nationwide restriction preventing users under 16 from accessing high-risk social media services. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube must deactivate accounts belonging to minors across Indonesia, a population segment totaling an estimated 70 million individuals.
2. Implications for YouTube’s User Base
YouTube faces the prospect of deactivating millions of accounts in one of its fastest-growing markets. Loss of access for under-16 users poses a direct challenge to engagement metrics and ad revenue in Indonesia’s highly mobile-connected environment.
3. Compliance Requirements and Risks
Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid mandates that all high-risk platforms complete a child safety self-assessment by June. Failure to meet these requirements will trigger severe regulatory sanctions, including restricted market access for noncompliant services.