TikTok, YouTube take down 4.7 million child accounts in Indonesia amid tighter online safety rules

Social media platforms TikTok and YouTube have collectively deactivated around 4.7 million accounts belonging to users under the age of 16 in Indonesia, as the country's recently introduced child safety regulations begin to have a visible impact on major technology companies.

The move was announced by Indonesia's Communications and Digital Minister, Meutya Hafid, who said the government expects other digital platforms operating in the country to follow suit. The account removals come just months after Jakarta introduced stricter rules requiring platforms considered to pose a higher risk to children to prevent underage users from accessing their services.

Indonesia steps up child safety enforcement

According to the minister, TikTok accounted for the majority of the removals, shutting down around 4.1 million accounts. YouTube, owned by Google, disabled approximately 6,00,000 accounts. Neither company immediately responded to requests for comment following the announcement.

Indonesia introduced the regulation in March as part of a broader effort to strengthen online protections for children. Under the rules, platforms classified by authorities as high risk must identify and deactivate accounts belonging to users under 16 years of age. The requirement has so far been applied to services including TikTok, X, Instagram and online gaming platform Roblox.

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Government officials say the measures are intended to curb the growing risks associated with children's use of social media, including cyberbullying, excessive screen time and digital addiction. The authorities are also examining self-assessment reports submitted by technology companies to determine whether they are complying with the new framework.

"We're not just delaying a child's access, but we want behaviours from platforms to change, too," Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid said while outlining the government's approach.

Part of a wider global trend

Indonesia's policy reflects a broader international push towards tighter regulation of children's online activity, as governments increasingly scrutinise the role of social media in young people's mental and physical wellbeing.

The country's latest measures follow Australia's landmark legislation introduced last year, which placed restrictions on minors' access to social media over concerns about the potential impact on mental health. Australia's approach has drawn global attention, with policymakers in several countries monitoring its implementation as they consider similar safeguards.

Britain has also signalled tougher oversight of online platforms. Earlier this month, the government announced plans to widen restrictions beyond traditional social media services to include gaming and live-streaming platforms, reflecting growing concerns over the digital environments accessed by younger users.

For Indonesia, the removal of millions of underage accounts represents one of the first large-scale outcomes of its new regulatory framework. While the government views the development as evidence that platforms are beginning to comply, officials have indicated that monitoring will continue as authorities assess whether companies are taking sufficient steps to protect children online.