Indonesia Summons Meta and Google for Not Complying with Child Social Media Rules

• Indonesia has approximately 70 million children under 16, with internet penetration at 80.66% nationally and 87.8% among Gen Z users aged 13-28
• The ministry has identified Meta, Google, TikTok, and Roblox as 'high-risk' platforms based on criteria including stranger contact possibilities, addictive qualities, and psychological risks
• The restrictions aim to reduce cyberbullying and addiction risks, following similar bans in Australia last year over mental health concerns for young people

Indonesia Summons Meta and Google Over Child Social Media Compliance

Key Developments:

Indonesia's Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid summoned officials from Meta and Google on Monday for non-compliance with new social media restrictions protecting children under 16. The regulations, which went into full effect last week, require platforms deemed "high-risk" to deactivate accounts belonging to minors.

Companies Involved:

Meta and Google were identified as "two business entities that are non-compliant with the law" and have opposed the restrictions from the outset. Both companies claimed last week they had implemented child safeguards but did not respond to Tuesday's request for comment.

The ministry also issued warnings to TikTok (owned by China's ByteDance) and Roblox, threatening summons if they fail to achieve full compliance.

Enforcement and Penalties:

Non-compliant platforms face potential fines or complete blocking in Indonesia. High-risk platforms are defined by criteria including stranger contact possibilities, addictive qualities, and psychological risks.

Market Context:

• Indonesia has approximately 70 million children under 16
• Internet penetration reached 80.66% in 2025, with 87.8% among Gen Z users (ages 13-28)
• The restrictions aim to combat cyberbullying and addiction, similar to Australia's 2024 social media ban for young people

Implications:

The enforcement action represents significant regulatory pressure on major tech platforms in Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest market. Companies face operational disruptions and potential revenue loss if banned, while demonstrating growing global momentum toward stricter youth protection measures on social media platforms.