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Governments across Asia continue to examine how social media affects young users. Indonesia and the Indian state of Karnataka recently announced plans that would limit when children can access major social platforms. Officials argue that stronger rules may help reduce exposure to harmful content and online risks.
Policy discussion about youth social media use has intensified worldwide. Countries including Australia, Denmark, France, Spain, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom have already proposed or implemented similar restrictions. Authorities in those regions share a common concern about how social media platforms affect teenagers and younger children.
Good to Know
Indonesia communication and digital ministry confirmed that new rules will introduce age gates for social media access. Regulation is scheduled to be signed on March 28, 2026, with enforcement expected roughly one year later. Officials believe that delayed implementation will allow platforms time to adjust their systems and age verification tools.
Unlike Australia, which introduced a complete ban for users younger than 16, Indonesia plans a more targeted model. Authorities will divide platforms into risk categories and apply different age limits depending on potential harm. Children aged 13 and older will still be able to use platforms considered lower risk.
However, several widely used services fall into a higher risk group. Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid listed YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox among platforms that will require users to be at least 16 years old.
Indonesia leaders say the purpose of the rule centers on safer online experiences rather than removing internet access for children. The regulation instead focuses on holding digital platforms accountable for stronger child protection standards.
Hafid explained the regulatory approach in a statement tied to the policy announcement. She said:
“This regulation does not impose sanctions on children or parents. Instead, sanctions target digital platforms that fail to meet their child protection obligations.”
Officials also described the types of risks that motivated the rule. Online platforms can expose young users to harmful material, contact with unknown individuals, and patterns of excessive digital use that may affect mental health.
Hafid also addressed those concerns directly when outlining the policy. She said the rule aims to prevent risks “ranging from exposure to harmful content and interactions with unknown individuals to child exploitation and addiction to digital platforms.”
Government data highlights the scale of the challenge. Around 299 million residents in Indonesia currently connect to the internet, and officials estimate that nearly 80 percent of children actively use online platforms. Such high participation among young users played a major role in shaping the proposed regulation.
Meanwhile, policymakers in India consider a stricter approach in one of the country largest technology centers. Karnataka, the state that includes Bengaluru, plans to prohibit social media access for children younger than 16.
Chief minister Siddaramaiah announced the proposal during a state budget speech. Leaders believe that reducing access to social platforms may help address concerns about excessive mobile phone use among young people. He said:
“To prevent the adverse effects on children from the use of mobile phones, the use of social media will be prohibited for children under the age of 16.”
Unlike the Indonesian plan, details about enforcement in Karnataka remain unclear. Officials have not yet explained how authorities will verify user age or how the restriction would apply across global platforms.
Technology companies also learned about the policy through the public announcement. Sources from two separate tech firms told TechCrunch that the state government did not hold consultations with industry representatives before revealing the proposal.
Despite uncertainty around enforcement, both policies reflect a wider global shift in digital regulation. Governments continue to search for ways to protect young users while balancing access to communication tools that remain central to modern internet life.