TikTok, YouTube deactivate 4.7 million child accounts in Indonesia following government curbs, minister says

• Indonesia's March regulation requires high-risk social media platforms including TikTok, YouTube, X, and Meta properties to deactivate accounts of users under 16 years old
• The government aims not just to restrict access but to change platform behaviors, with the ministry currently reviewing companies' self-assessment reports
• Indonesia's curbs follow similar measures in Australia and are being watched by multiple countries including Britain, which announced plans for restrictions covering gaming and live-streaming platforms

Summary

Key Development:

TikTok and YouTube have deactivated approximately 4.7 million accounts belonging to children under 16 in Indonesia, following new government regulations aimed at protecting minors on social media platforms.

Key Figures:

• TikTok (ByteDance): 4.1 million accounts deactivated
• YouTube (Alphabet/Google): 600,000 accounts deactivated
• Total: 4.7 million child accounts removed

Regulatory Action:

In March, Indonesia implemented regulations requiring social media companies to deactivate accounts of users under 16 on platforms deemed "high risk," including TikTok, YouTube, X, and Meta's platforms (Facebook/Instagram). Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid announced the deactivations on June 26, emphasizing the government's intent to change platform behaviors, not merely delay children's access.

Stated Objectives:

The Indonesian government cites reducing cyberbullying and social media addiction as primary motivations. The ministry is currently reviewing self-assessment reports from the companies.

Market Context:

Indonesia's restrictions follow a growing global trend in regulating youth social media access. Australia implemented a similar ban in 2024 over mental health concerns, with several countries monitoring its effectiveness. Britain announced plans this month for comparable restrictions covering gaming and live-streaming platforms.

Market Implications:

These regulatory actions signal increasing government scrutiny of major social media platforms' youth engagement practices, potentially affecting user growth metrics and requiring operational adjustments across multiple markets. ByteDance and Alphabet face compliance costs and potential revenue impacts as youth protection regulations expand globally.