TikTok and YouTube delete millions of child accounts after Indonesia’s new rules kick in

Millions of children in Indonesia are suddenly disappearing from some of the world’s biggest social media platforms. The massive account purge is not the result of a technical issue or a company policy update, but rather the first major test of a new government rule that is forcing tech companies to rethink how young people access the internet.

Indonesia says TikTok and YouTube have deactivated around 4.7 million accounts belonging to children under the age of 16. The move marks one of the largest crackdowns on underage social media use anywhere in the world and could become a blueprint for other countries considering similar restrictions.

TikTok accounted for most of the deleted accounts

According to Indonesia’s Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid, TikTok removed approximately 4.1 million accounts belonging to users under 16. YouTube, owned by Google, deactivated another 600,000 accounts as the new regulations started taking effect.

The figures are striking because they show that millions of under-16 users had accounts on the platforms before the government’s restrictions began taking effect. They also underline how difficult it can be for major digital platforms to identify and manage younger users at scale.

Neither TikTok nor YouTube immediately responded to requests for comment after the government released the latest numbers. However, the account removals indicate that major technology companies are already beginning to comply with Indonesia’s rules.

Indonesia’s new regulation puts pressure on social media companies

The account removals stem from regulations introduced in March that require certain social media platforms to deactivate accounts belonging to children younger than 16. The rules apply to services that the government considers to be high-risk for minors.

The high-risk platforms include YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox. Indonesian officials are also reviewing self-assessment reports submitted by companies to determine whether they are meeting the new requirements.

The regulation goes beyond simply asking companies to provide safety tools or parental controls. Instead, it places direct responsibility on platforms to identify underage users and prevent them from using services that the government believes may expose children to harm.

Little-known fact: Indonesia had about 143 million social media users in early 2025, meaning more than half of the country’s population actively uses social platforms, making it one of the world’s biggest social media markets.

The government wants platforms to change their behavior

Indonesia’s leaders say the objective is larger than simply keeping children off social media for a few years. Officials want technology companies to fundamentally rethink how they design and operate services that attract younger audiences.

“We’re not just delaying a child’s access, but we want behaviors from platforms to change, too,” Minister Meutya Hafid said while discussing the new rules.

That statement hints at a broader shift in how governments are approaching online safety. Policymakers increasingly expect technology companies to take more responsibility for the products they build and the way those products influence young users.

The pressure could eventually lead to stricter age-verification systems, additional safety features, and new approaches to recommending content to minors.

Cyberbullying and addiction remain major concerns

Indonesia says its social media restrictions are aimed at reducing the risks children face online. Officials have repeatedly pointed to concerns about cyberbullying, addiction, and the impact that excessive social media use can have on young people’s mental health.

The issue has become increasingly important around the world as studies continue to examine how prolonged social media use affects children and teenagers. Governments are paying closer attention to reports linking heavy online activity with anxiety, sleep problems, and declining mental well-being among younger users.

Supporters of the new rules argue that children need stronger protections because social media platforms are designed to keep users engaged for long periods of time. Critics, however, warn that restrictions could be difficult to enforce and may push children toward less regulated corners of the internet.

Indonesia is part of a growing international movement

Indonesia is not acting alone. Around the world, governments are exploring new ways to regulate children’s access to digital platforms and reduce potential harms associated with social media.

Australia became one of the most closely watched examples last year after introducing tough restrictions on teen access to social media. The country’s approach has sparked debate among policymakers and technology companies because it places significant obligations on platforms themselves.

Indonesia’s latest actions suggest that other countries are increasingly willing to follow Australia’s lead. Rather than relying on voluntary safety measures, governments are beginning to adopt regulations that directly limit access for younger users.

Britain is considering even broader restrictions

The movement toward stronger protections for children online appears to be accelerating. Britain announced this month that it plans to introduce wider restrictions that could include not only social media services but also gaming and live-streaming platforms.

The proposal reflects a growing belief that digital risks extend far beyond traditional social networks. Young people spend time across many different online services, and governments increasingly see the broader digital ecosystem as an area requiring stronger oversight.

If more countries adopt similar rules, technology companies could face a patchwork of regulations that fundamentally changes how they operate worldwide.

The biggest challenge may be proving someone’s age

While removing millions of accounts makes headlines, enforcing these rules is likely to remain difficult. Verifying a person’s age online has long been one of the internet’s biggest unresolved problems.

Most social media services still rely heavily on users entering their date of birth honestly when creating an account. Children can often bypass restrictions by providing a different age or by accessing accounts created by adults.

As governments demand stricter enforcement, technology companies may eventually need to develop more advanced verification systems. That could raise new questions about privacy, data collection and how much personal information users should have to share simply to access online services.

A major test for the future of social media

Indonesia’s deletion of nearly 5 million underage accounts is more than a local policy experiment. It represents a significant shift in the relationship between governments and technology companies and highlights the growing belief that online platforms should bear greater responsibility for protecting children.

Whether these measures ultimately improve children’s well-being remains uncertain, and debates about enforcement and privacy are likely to continue. But one thing is becoming increasingly clear: the era of unrestricted social media access for young users is facing its biggest challenge yet, and the decisions being made today in countries like Indonesia could influence internet policy around the world for years to come.

TL;DR

• Indonesia says TikTok and YouTube have deactivated around 4.7 million accounts belonging to users under 16.
• TikTok removed about 4.1 million accounts, while YouTube removed roughly 600,000.
• The removals are part of new regulations requiring high-risk platforms to deactivate accounts belonging to children.
• Indonesia says the rules are intended to reduce cyberbullying, addiction, and other online harms.
• Australia and Britain are pursuing similar measures, suggesting a broader global shift toward stronger protections for young internet users.

This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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