Indonesia is taking steps to protect children from online risks by planning to impose interim child protection guidelines on social media companies. The announcement, made on January 15, 2024, by Communications Minister Meutya Hafid, follows discussions with President Prabowo Subianto. The government intends to introduce a regulation setting a minimum age for social media users, aiming to prevent minors from accessing platforms that may expose them to harm.
This move comes in the wake of similar initiatives worldwide, including Australia’s decision to ban children under 16 from using social media, imposing fines on companies like Meta (owner of Instagram and Facebook) and TikTok if they fail to enforce such restrictions. While the government is working on a more robust law, interim guidelines will ensure that digital platforms comply with child protection standards, focusing on shielding minors from physical, mental, or moral dangers.
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Though the regulations are set to restrict harmful content, they will not entirely block children from using social media. Indonesian parents, such as Nurmayanti, a mother of three, expressed support for the government’s efforts to limit harmful content like pornography or hate speech, while also emphasizing the need for clear and strict laws.
On the other hand, human rights advocates like Anis Hidayah caution that while protecting children online is crucial, the government must balance this with the right to access information. Indonesia, with a high number of young internet users, faces the challenge of safeguarding children while not stifling their access to knowledge.
