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    Indonesia to set minimum age for social media use

    (ANN/JAKARTA POST) – The Indonesian government is preparing a regulation to establish a minimum age for social media users, aiming to enhance child protection in the digital space, according to Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid.

    Speaking on Monday, Meutya confirmed that the Communications and Digital Ministry is drafting the regulation but did not specify the proposed minimum age limit. Her remarks followed discussions with President Prabowo Subianto, who expressed strong support for the initiative.

    “We discussed how to protect children in the digital space,” Meutya said in a video posted on the president’s office YouTube channel. “The president encouraged us to proceed with this plan. He is very supportive of ensuring child protection in the digital realm.”

    Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid (center) is accompanied by deputy ministers Nezar Patria (left) and Angga Raka Prabowo (right) during a working meeting with House of Representatives’ Commission I at the House of Representatives building in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on November 5, 2024. PHOTO: ANTARA via ANN/JAKARTA POST

    With internet penetration in Indonesia reaching 79.5 per cent in 2024, according to a survey conducted by the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association, concerns about children’s online safety have grown. The survey revealed that 48 per cent of children under the age of 12 have access to the internet, with many using platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

    The survey also showed internet penetration among “Gen Z” users, aged 12 to 27, was as high as 87 per cent, reflecting the significant role of social media in the lives of younger generations.

    Indonesia’s initiative mirrors similar global efforts to regulate social media access for younger users. In late 2024, Australia passed a landmark law prohibiting social media companies from signing up users under the age of 16. The legislation requires platforms to take “reasonable steps” to prevent young teens from creating accounts.

    As the regulation takes shape, details regarding the minimum age limit and enforcement measures are expected to follow.

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