Jakarta. Google has formally complied with Indonesia’s child protection regulation, introducing a strict minimum age of 16 on YouTube and planning to phase out underage accounts alongside targeted ads for minors, marking a major shift in how global platforms operate in the country.

The move follows Government Regulation No. 17/2025, known as PP Tunas, which governs electronic system providers in safeguarding children online.

Communication and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid said compliance was confirmed after Google formally submitted a letter to the ministry.

“Today, the government appreciates that YouTube has delivered its compliance letter. It was submitted directly and officially,” Meutya said at a press conference in Jakarta.

She noted that platform-level changes are already visible, including a firm minimum age requirement.

“If checked today, it clearly states under 16. It is now firm that users below 16 are not allowed,” she said.

Beyond age restrictions, YouTube will gradually deactivate accounts belonging to underage users and eliminate advertisements targeting children and teenagers.

“YouTube has also provided a plan to deactivate accounts and will gradually eliminate ads targeting children and teenagers,” Meutya added.

The rollout will be implemented in stages to ensure compliance is effectively enforced.

“This will be done gradually. If some users are affected and others are not yet, it is because the process is ongoing,” she said.

With Google’s compliance, the government says seven major global platforms — including X, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and Bigo Live — have now declared adherence. Roblox remains in discussions.

“We see these eight platforms as role models. If they are willing, it is possible,” Meutya said.

The government has also required all platforms to submit a self-assessment within three months of the regulation taking effect, with a deadline in June.

Gradual Account Deactivation
YouTube Asia Pacific’s Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy Danny Ardianto reiterated the company’s commitment to aligning with Indonesian rules and enhancing protections for younger users.

“We share the Indonesian government’s commitment to strengthening protection for children and teenagers,” he said.

He confirmed that account deactivation and the removal of targeted advertising for minors are part of the platform’s roadmap.

Under PP Tunas, high-risk digital platforms must enforce a minimum user age of 16. YouTube is currently adjusting its systems in coordination with the ministry.

As a result, users under 16 in Indonesia may lose access to their accounts during a transition period over the coming months. Users are advised to secure their data through export tools such as Google Takeout or delete content if necessary. While accounts may be temporarily disabled, data will remain accessible once users reach the required age.

Compliance Seen as Critical
Telecommunications analyst Heru Sutadi said compliance by platforms like YouTube and Roblox is essential to ensure child safety in digital spaces.

“Compliance from Roblox and YouTube is crucial. Under the regulation, any platform accessible to children must provide age verification, age limits, and reporting mechanisms,” he said.

He added that PP Tunas requires platforms to embed child protection measures from the design stage through to operations, including mitigating risks such as exposure to harmful content, interaction with strangers, and digital addiction.

“Without compliance, age verification, content moderation, and parental controls will not function optimally. This directly risks children’s safety and development in digital spaces,” Heru said.

He also noted that stricter enforcement could push global platforms to raise protection standards in Indonesia to match tighter jurisdictions elsewhere.

“This regulation places the best interests of children above commercial interests. If enforced consistently, it can become leverage to ensure global platforms provide equal protection standards,” he said.

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