Hajra Naz
The Indonesian government is planning to present a regulation that will establish a minimum age requirement for social media users, pointing to secure children in the digital space. The declaration was made by Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid, who expressed that the regulation is part of a broader activity to protect young users online.
While the particular age limit has not yet been unveiled, the plan follows consultations between the minister and President Prabowo Subianto, who has communicated strong support for the activity.
Presidential Support for Child Protection
Minister Hafid highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing child protection measures in the digital realm. “We discussed how to protect children in digital space,” she said in a video posted on the president’s office’s YouTube channel. “The president said to carry on with this plan. He is very supportive of how this kind of child protection will be implemented in our digital space.”
Internet Penetration and Social Media Usage in Indonesia
Indonesia, with a population of about 280 million, has seen rapid growth in internet usage. Internet penetration reached 79.5% in 2023. This data comes from a study by the Indonesia Internet Service Providers Association.
The same study revealed that 48% of children under the age of 12 had access to the internet, with numerous utilizing platforms like:
- TikTok.
Among “Gen Z” users, aged 12 to 27, internet penetration was reported at 87%.
Learning from International Precedents
Indonesia’s action is similar to other countries’ attempts to control kids’ use of social media. Australia passed a historic rule late last year that forbids minors under the age of sixteen from creating social media profiles.
This legislation requires social media companies to take “reasonable steps” to ensure compliance and imposes fines on firms, such as Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram) and TikTok, for failing to prevent underage access. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged potential enforcement challenges but emphasized the importance of the initiative in reducing harm to young Australians.
Singapore has also explored introducing similar legislation to protect young users, demonstrating a growing global trend toward stricter digital safety measures for children.
Implications of the Proposed Regulation
Indonesia’s recognition of the possible dangers associated with youngsters having unfettered access to social media is reflected in the proposed regulation. The goal of setting a minimum age restriction is to reduce exposure to dangerous information, cyberbullying, and other online dangers.
The government intends to promote responsible internet use and a safer online environment for the nation’s youth by controlling access. To meet the problems brought on by increasing digitization, the initiative emphasizes the necessity of international cooperation and best practices.
As Indonesia proceeds with this plan, it contributes to a global discussion about striking a balance between the ethical need to preserve future generations and technical growth.
Conclusion
An important step toward protecting kids online is Indonesia’s plan to establish a minimum age for social media use. With strong support from the nation’s leadership and insights from other countries, the rule might help make the country’s youth’s digital environment safer and more controlled.
The action emphasizes the significance of putting children’s safety first in a society that is becoming more interconnected and is in line with international initiatives to address the growing concern about the effects of social media on kids.
