Indonesia considers age limit for social media users

(CLO) The Indonesian government is preparing to issue regulations on the minimum age to access social networks to protect children from potential risks in cyberspace.

Speaking in a video posted on the President's Office's YouTube channel, Communications Minister Meutya Hafid said: "We discussed how to protect children in the digital space. The president said to go ahead with this plan. He is very supportive of this protection."

Ms. Hafid announced the plan after discussions with President Prabowo Subianto. While she did not specify the age limit, Ms. Hafid emphasized that the President strongly supports measures to protect children in the digital environment.

Illustration: Unsplash

Internet penetration in the country of 280 million people is expected to reach 79.5% by 2023, according to a survey by the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association of 8,700 respondents.

Notably, 48% of children under 12 have access to the internet, with many using popular platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. For the Gen Z group aged 12 to 27, the internet usage rate is as high as 87%.

Indonesia is not the only country looking to protect children from the negative effects of social media. Last year, Australia passed a law banning children under 16 from creating social media accounts and requiring tech companies like Meta and TikTok to implement strict blocking measures.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stressed that while it could not guarantee perfect implementation, it would deliver "better outcomes and less harm" for young people.

Singapore is also considering similar regulations to protect young users on social media.

Hoai Phuong (according to Reuters, Jakarta Post)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/indonesia-xem-xet-gioi-han-do-tuoi-nguoi-dung-mang-xa-hoi-post330492.html