Social Media Restrictions Depend on Platforms’ Readiness: Expert

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Information technology expert and Drone Emprit founder Ismail Fahmi said the effectiveness of restrictions on children’s social media access depends on the readiness of platforms and on-ground implementation. The policy restricting tens of millions of children’s social media accounts in Indonesia is considered an important step.

He noted that the policy has a strong foundation, as the number of child internet users in Indonesia reaches tens of millions. It is no longer feasible to place the full burden of supervision on parents.

“The key to this policy lies in its implementation, not merely in restricting access,” Ismail said during a conversation with Pro3 RRI on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

According to him, restrictions without alternatives could drive children to other unregulated platforms. He stressed that children’s needs for digital spaces must still be met through the right approach.

“If their needs aren’t met, they will keep looking. So there must be different platforms, ones specifically designed for them,” he said.

In this context, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is seen as crucial, both as a regulator and as a guide for the national digital ecosystem. The government is encouraged not only to restrict but also to facilitate solutions.

Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid has commended digital platforms X and Bigo Live for their compliance. Both are considered to have fulfilled their obligations under the Government Regulation on the Protection of Children in the Digital Space (PP TUNAS).

Minister Meutya said the cooperative stance of both platforms serves as a concrete example of compliance with national regulations. She emphasized that the step was not merely a commitment but was realized through adjustments to systems and policies.

“We appreciate platforms that have been fully cooperative in fulfilling their compliance obligations. Among them are X and Bigo Live,” Minister Meutya said. (Gusti Panji/Lasti Martina)