Officials from TikTok and YouTube confirmed on Monday that they are discussing the proposed measures with authorities as the Southeast Asian nation prepares to enforce new rules targeting what it describes as “high-risk” social media platforms.
The regulation, issued by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs of Indonesia, will require platforms to deactivate accounts belonging to users under 16 on services classified as high risk. The rule is scheduled to take effect on March 28, according to Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid.
Platforms Identified as High Risk
Among the platforms identified by the government are Roblox, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, the short-video platform owned by Chinese technology firm ByteDance.
Authorities say the classification is based on the level of interaction and exposure minors may have on these platforms, including content sharing, messaging features, and algorithm-driven feeds.
The government has argued that the regulation is intended to better protect young users from online risks, including harmful content, cyberbullying, and privacy violations.
Companies Respond to Proposed Restrictions
In response, YouTube said it is reviewing the new regulation and assessing its potential impact on millions of Indonesian users.
A spokesperson for the video platform said the company aims to ensure that any regulatory approach strengthens parental control while maintaining access to educational resources available on the platform.
“We will continue to engage constructively with the government and remain committed to protecting youth in the digital world, not from it,” the spokesperson said.
TikTok also confirmed that it is in discussions with the ministry to gain a clearer understanding of the regulation’s provisions. The company noted that its teenage accounts already include more than 50 built-in safety, privacy, and security features designed to protect younger users.
Concerns From Other Tech Companies
Before the regulation was formally released, Meta Platforms, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, warned that outright restrictions could have unintended consequences.
The company said governments considering such policies should avoid pushing teenagers toward less regulated platforms or anonymous online spaces where safety tools are absent.
Meta added that its Teen Accounts on Instagram and Facebook already include default safeguards aimed at limiting exposure to harmful content and controlling who can contact younger users.
Global Trend Toward Youth Online Protections
Indonesia’s move reflects a broader international trend as governments increasingly scrutinize the impact of social media on children and teenagers.
Countries including Australia have already introduced stricter rules or proposed legislation designed to limit minors’ access to social platforms amid growing concerns over online safety and mental health.
As Indonesia prepares to enforce its new regulation later this month, discussions between regulators and technology companies are expected to continue, with both sides seeking a balance between protecting young users and maintaining access to digital services used for education, creativity, and communication.