Indonesia’s social media ban for under-16s is easy for children to bypass

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  Indonesia barred children under 16 from using high-risk social media earlier this year.

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  A 14-year-old in Jakarta continues to use Instagram and TikTok after lying about his age to register.

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  His mother said his friends also use the platforms.

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  Indonesia has had some of Southeast Asia’s strictest rules on children’s social media use since March.

Who

Indonesia and children under 16, including a 14-year-old in Jakarta.

What

Indonesia barred under-16s from high-risk social media, but a child bypassed the restriction by lying about his age.

When

The ban began earlier in 2026; the article was published on October 10, 2026.

Where

Indonesia, including Jakarta.

Why

The rules are intended to protect children online.

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