Jakarta, INTI - The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) said that WhatsApp is also one of the platforms required to comply with Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 concerning Electronic System Governance for Child Protection (PP Tunas).
Currently, eight platforms are required to deactivate the accounts of children under 16 due to their high-risk category. The platforms are TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, Roblox, and YouTube.
Nanci Laura Sitinjak, a policy analyst at Kemkomdigi, stated that these eight platforms were prioritized because they have a large number of child users and are the initial stage of compliance monitoring. However, according to the provisions of PP Tunas, the object of regulation includes all electronic system providers (PSE), both private and public.
"So all platforms, all PSEs, perhaps in this case, including WhatsApp, are object to regulation of PP Tunas," Nanci said on Wednesday, May 20.
Nanci explained that the definition of a PSE can be referred to Government Regulation No. 71 of 2019 concerning the Implementation of Electronic Systems and Transactions. This regulation identifies six service categories, including instant messaging services like WhatsApp.
"So, WhatsApp is included in the PSE category and is subject to compliance with the Tunas regulation," she said.
PP Tunas is not Just for Social Media Platforms
Meanwhile, Muhammad Ihsan, Assistant Deputy for Formulation and Coordination of Special Child Protection Policies at the Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA), stated that WhatsApp is also a platform regulated by the Tunas PP. According to him, the regulation not only regulates social media but also all digital platforms.
"PP Tunas doesn't just regulate social media. It covers all platforms because there are various types. Fortunately, PP Tunas records them all," he said.
Ihsan added that the public can report suspected violations, harmful content, or indications of violence against children in the digital space through the government's complaint channel, SAPA 129.
He explained that incoming reports will be forwarded to the relevant platforms and available call centers so that handling can be carried out more quickly, including taking action against content or activities that violate child protection regulations in digital spaces.
Conclusion
Kemkomdigi confirmed that WhatsApp also has to comply with PP Tunas, alongside platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, Roblox, and YouTube. The regulation applies to all electronic system providers, including instant messaging services like WhatsApp, as part of efforts to strengthen child safety online. The government also encouraged the public to report violations through the SAPA 129 complaint channel so cases involving children in digital spaces can be handled more quickly.
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