TikTok, YouTube Deactivate 4.7 Million Child Accounts in Indonesia
Indonesia has forced TikTok and YouTube to deactivate 4.7 million accounts belonging to children under 16 to combat cyberbullying and addiction. This move follows a March regulation, aligning Indonesia with global efforts in Australia and Britain to restrict minor access to digital platforms.
TikTok and YouTube have collectively deactivated 4.7 million accounts belonging to minors in Indonesia, marking a significant enforcement action following new government regulations. TikTok, owned by ByteDance, removed 4.1 million accounts, while Alphabet's YouTube platform deactivated 6m00,000, according to Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid.
As per a report by Reuters, this move follows a government regulation introduced in March requiring platforms deemed "high risk" to deactivate accounts held by children under the age of 16. The Indonesian government stated that these measures are necessary to mitigate risks associated with cyberbullying and platform addiction. Why Has UAE Banned Children Under 15 From Using Social Media?.
Government Drive for Platform Accountability
Minister Meutya Hafid emphasised that the initiative is intended to force a shift in platform behaviour rather than merely restricting access for young users. The ministry is currently conducting thorough reviews of self-assessment reports submitted by various social media companies to ensure full compliance with the new legal standards.
Previous enforcement actions under this mandate have already impacted several other major platforms, including X, Meta’s Instagram, and the gaming platform Roblox. The ministry has expressed an expectation that all relevant service providers will follow suit and adhere strictly to the updated safety protocols.
Global Context of Social Media Curbs
The Indonesian policy aligns with a growing international trend toward stricter regulation of digital platforms to protect the mental and physical health of minors. These efforts mirror Australia's decision last year to implement a ban on social media for young people, a move that is currently being monitored by nations worldwide. Social Media Restrictions for Kids: Andhra Pradesh Drafting Law to Limit Access for Under-13 Users, Focus on Mental Well-Being.
Similar concerns are being addressed in other regions, with Britain announcing plans this month for wider restrictions that will extend to live-streaming and gaming platforms. These global developments highlight an increasing focus on the potential harms that unchecked social media access may pose to younger demographics.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 26, 2026 05:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).