Indonesia is moving to ban e-commerce for children under 16, Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid announced Wednesday, citing cases of minors becoming scam victims on shopping platforms.
The Southeast Asian nation of over 284 million people already enforces a social media ban for under-16s, targeting platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox. The e-commerce restriction will extend those protections to online marketplaces.
Hafid said the government aims to help parents shield children from powerful platforms, likening the current dynamic to "letting parents play chess against a grandmaster."
Teenage boys use their mobile phones to browse social media in Jakarta, Indonesia, Mar 16, 2026. (Photo: AP/Dita Alangkara)
The move follows Australia's landmark social media ban for teens and aligns with a global trend. Turkey recently approved a law restricting social media access for children under 15, and several European nations are considering similar measures.
Platforms that fail to comply with Indonesia's phased restrictions risk fines or service suspension.