TikTok and YouTube Remove 4.7 Million Underage Accounts as Indonesia Tightens Online Safety Rules

Indonesia’s new child safety regulations have prompted TikTok and YouTube to remove nearly 4.7 million accounts belonging to users under the age of 16, marking one of the country’s largest online enforcement actions to date.

Indonesia has taken a major step toward strengthening online safety for children, with social media platforms TikTok and YouTube collectively removing around 4.7 million accounts belonging to users under the age of 16. The move comes as the country’s recently introduced digital safety regulations begin to reshape how technology companies operate.

The announcement was made by Indonesia’s Communications and Digital Minister, Meutya Hafid, who said the government expects other major online platforms to follow the same approach. The account removals are among the first large-scale outcomes of the country’s child protection framework introduced earlier this year.

TikTok removed the majority of accounts

According to the ministry, TikTok accounted for the largest share of the removals, taking down approximately 4.1 million accounts. YouTube, owned by Google, disabled around 600,000 accounts identified as belonging to underage users.

Neither company immediately issued a public statement following the government’s announcement.

New regulations target underage users

Indonesia introduced stricter online safety rules in March to better protect children from harmful digital content and excessive social media use. Under the regulations, platforms considered to pose a higher risk to minors must identify and deactivate accounts belonging to users younger than 16.

The rules currently apply to several major platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, X and online gaming platform Roblox.

Government officials say the regulations are designed to reduce cyberbullying, digital addiction, inappropriate content exposure and excessive screen time among children.

Authorities are also reviewing compliance reports submitted by technology companies to assess whether they are meeting the country’s new child safety requirements.

“We’re not just delaying a child’s access, but we want behaviours from platforms to change, too,” Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid said while outlining the government’s broader approach to online child protection.

Part of a growing global trend

Indonesia’s tougher stance reflects a wider international push to improve children’s online safety. Governments around the world are introducing stricter rules as concerns grow over the impact of social media on young people’s mental health and overall well-being.

Australia introduced landmark legislation last year placing tighter restrictions on minors’ access to social media platforms. The move has attracted international attention, with several countries closely monitoring its implementation.

The United Kingdom has also announced plans to expand online safety regulations beyond traditional social media platforms to include gaming and live-streaming services, signalling broader efforts to protect younger internet users.

Government to continue monitoring platforms

While Indonesian authorities view the removal of millions of underage accounts as a significant milestone, officials say enforcement efforts will continue. The government plans to closely monitor digital platforms to ensure they remain compliant with the country’s evolving online safety framework and continue taking steps to better protect children online.