Jakarta, INTI - The Indonesian government has confirmed that YouTube will officially enforce a minimum age requirement of 16 for users in the country.
This policy follows Google’s commitment to comply with Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on the Governance of Electronic System Operations for Child Protection (PP TUNAS).
Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, stated that the commitment was marked by Google’s direct submission of a formal compliance letter to the Ministry.
“Today, the government appreciates that YouTube has delivered its compliance letter. It has been officially submitted in person,” Meutya said during a press conference at the Ministry’s office in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
She emphasized that changes are already visible on the platform, including clearer enforcement of the minimum age requirement in its community policies.
“As of today, it is clearly stated that users must be at least 16 years old. It is firm that those under 16 are not allowed,” she stressed.
In addition to age restrictions, YouTube has outlined plans to gradually deactivate accounts belonging to children and to phase out advertisements targeting children and teenagers.
“YouTube has also presented a plan to deactivate accounts and eliminate ads aimed at children and teens going forward,” Meutya added.
The government noted that implementation will be carried out gradually to ensure effective compliance in practice.
“This will be implemented in stages. If some users are already affected while others are not, it is part of the ongoing process,” she explained.
Platforms Move Toward Compliance as Transition Period Begins
With this development, the government reported that seven global digital platforms have declared compliance, including X, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and Bigo Live. One platform, Roblox, is still under discussion.
“We see these eight platforms as role models. If they are willing, compliance is achievable,” Meutya said.
The government has also urged all platforms to submit self-assessment reports within three months of the regulation taking effect, with the deadline set for June.
“We remind all platforms to provide their self-assessment within three months, which will conclude in June,” she added.
Danny Ardianto, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy for YouTube Asia Pacific, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to adhering to Indonesian regulations and protecting young users.
“We are aligned with the Indonesian government’s commitment to strengthening protection for children and teenagers,” he said.
He also reiterated YouTube’s plans to gradually deactivate underage accounts and eliminate targeted advertising for minors.
Indonesia’s PP TUNAS regulation sets a minimum age of 16 for accounts on high-risk digital platforms. YouTube stated that it will comply with the regulation and is currently adjusting its systems while coordinating 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.
As a precaution, users are advised to secure their data through export services such as Google Takeout or to permanently delete content if necessary.
Although accounts may be temporarily deactivated, data and content will remain available and can be accessed again once users reach the age of 16.
Conclusion
The enforcement of a minimum age requirement on YouTube marks a significant step in Indonesia’s effort to strengthen child protection in the digital space. While the transition will be gradual, the policy signals a broader push for accountability among global platforms operating in the country. As compliance expands across major digital services, Indonesia is positioning itself as a regulatory benchmark in ensuring safer online environments for younger users.
Read more: Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs: Protecting Children in the Digital Space Begins at Home