Indonesia Summons Google and Meta Over Non-Compliance with Under-16 Social Media Ban

Indonesia has summoned Google and Meta for failing to comply with a new regulation banning social media access for users under 16, citing concerns over online safety and child protection.

Communications Minister Meutya Hafid announced that summons letters were sent to Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, and to Google, which oversees YouTube, for violating Indonesian law. The summonses are part of administrative sanctions in accordance with applicable provisions.

The ban, which took effect on March 28, 2026, aims to protect children from online pornography, cyberbullying, and internet addiction. Platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox are required to deactivate accounts belonging to users under 16.

Minister Hafid emphasized that there is no room for compromise regarding compliance and accused Google and Meta of opposing the new regulations from the beginning. She noted that TikTok and Roblox are making efforts toward compliance and will receive warning letters.

Indonesia, with a population of over 284 million, has approximately 70 million children under 16 who are active social media users. The government urges parents and children to help monitor compliance and report companies that violate the law.