Indonesia issues new summons for Google, Meta over teen social media ban

Indonesia's Communication and Digital Ministry issued a second summons to Google and Meta on April 2, 2026, for alleged non-compliance with the country's ban on social media access for users under 16. The ministry stated that both companies had requested postponements and failed to meet the initial compliance deadline following a first summons issued earlier in the week. Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid (also spelled Mutia Hafid) confirmed that the tech giants had not complied with the new regulation, which took effect on March 28, 2026, making Indonesia the first Southeast Asian country to implement such nationwide restrictions.

The ban targets eight platforms deemed high-risk for children, including Instagram, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Threads, and others that enable stranger interactions, addictive features, or pose mental health risks like cyberbullying and addiction. The regulations cite concerns over online pornography, cyberbullying, and internet addiction, particularly relevant given Indonesia's high internet penetration rates exceeding 80% in 2025 and nearly 88% among Gen Z users.

You may also like · #Google

Tsunami alert issued after 7.4-magnitude quake hits eastern IndonesiaGatchalian revives call to ban social media for teens 16 and below

The ministry warned of impending sanctions, noting that summonses can be issued up to a maximum of three times before penalties are imposed. Potential sanctions include fines or platform blocks if the companies continue to fail to deactivate accounts of users under 16. The ministry emphasized that compliance with child protection regulations is not merely an administrative obligation but a responsibility directly impacting children's safety in the digital space.

This enforcement follows global trends, including a U.S. jury verdict holding Meta and Google accountable for teen mental health harms from addictive designs, Australia's under-16 ban in December 2025, and similar measures in Europe and Malaysia. In the Philippines, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian referenced Indonesia's initiative in advocating for a similar ban, citing concerns about social media's impact on Filipino students' academic performance. The ban has drawn criticism from some who argue it may restrict youth expression on policy issues, but Indonesian authorities maintain it's necessary for child protection in the digital age.