Indonesia Sets Sights on Minimum Age for Social Media Use

JAKARTA: In a groundbreaking decision, Indonesia is preparing to enforce a regulation that would establish a minimum age for social media users, a crucial initiative aimed at safeguarding children in the digital realm. The country's communications minister, Meutya Hafid, announced this development in light of growing concerns over children's safety online.

This move mirrors Australia’s recent legislation banning children under 16 from accessing social media, which comes with hefty fines imposed on tech giants like Meta (the owner of Instagram and Facebook) and TikTok for failing to effectively restrict young users from their platforms.

While Minister Hafid has yet to disclose the specific minimum age that will be implemented in Indonesia, she assures that discussions are underway to ensure that all necessary protective measures are in place. In a video shared via the president’s office YouTube channel, she stated that she recently conferred with President Prabowo Subianto on the matter. "We discussed how to protect children in the digital space. The president is very supportive of this initiative,” she emphasized.

The impetus behind this regulation stems from alarming statistics regarding internet access among the youth in Indonesia, a nation with a population of approximately 280 million. A recent survey conducted by the Indonesia Internet Service Providers' Association revealed that internet penetration reached a staggering 79.5% last year. Notably, 48% of children under 12 have access to the internet, with a concerning number engaging with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at such a young age.

Moreover, the survey pinpointed that internet penetration is even higher among "Gen Z" individuals, ages 12 to 27, at an impressive 87%. This data highlights the urgency for regulatory measures to ensure that children navigate online spaces safely, away from inappropriate content and potential online predators.

As Indonesia gears up to implement this significant regulation, the international community watches closely. Will this set a new global standard for children's online safety? Stay tuned for updates on this pivotal initiative that could reshape the way social media platforms cater to young users!