Meta: Indonesian government warns Meta of a ban if fake news and gambling are not stopped; new rules apply for children..

Indonesia, one of Southeast Asia's largest internet markets, has tightened its grip on social media companies. The government's Communications Ministry has warned Meta platforms that they are not taking adequate steps to control harmful content on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. According to government data, action was taken in only 28.47% of reported content, raising government concerns.

Minister Arrives at Office Unexpectedly
The warning came after Indonesia's Communications and Digital Affairs Minister, Meutya Hafid, made an unannounced visit to Meta's operational office in the capital, Jakarta. During the visit, she found that many reported posts were still available on the platform, including content related to online gambling, misinformation, defamatory posts, and hate speech. The minister stated that such content could pose a threat to both public safety and social stability.

Government Demand: Strengthen Content Moderation
The government has asked Meta to strengthen its content moderation system and implement a process for the swift removal of illegal content. Indonesia has previously demanded that social media companies strengthen their content removal and moderation systems in accordance with local laws.

What is the new rule?
The government has also implemented a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital safety.

It is called PP Tunas (Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025). This rule was signed by President Prabowo Subianto in March 2025 and came into effect on April 1, 2025. The main purpose of this rule is to enhance children's online safety, enforce age verification on social media, and protect minors from harmful content. Digital companies have been given a one-year transition period to implement the rules.

What will companies have to do?

Under the new rules, social media companies will have to make several changes:

Age Verification System
Technical systems will have to be implemented to verify users' ages.

Content Filters for Children
Filters will have to be implemented to protect minors from harmful content.

Simplified Reporting System
Reporting inappropriate or dangerous content will have to be simplified.

Children's Data Protection
Companies will not be able to use children's data for commercial profiling.

Stricter Rules for Those Under 16
The government has specifically tightened regulations for high-risk platforms. Such platforms will be required to block users under 16 or implement parental supervision systems. This means that minors will no longer have complete access to social media in the future.

Stricter Action from April 2026
The government has clarified that the rules will be fully implemented from April 1, 2026. If companies do not comply, they could face heavy fines, service restrictions, or platform blocks.

Growing Strictness Globally
Indonesia's move is part of a growing trend globally in which governments are imposing greater accountability on social media companies. Previously, several countries in Europe, the Americas, and Asia were also implementing stricter regulations on issues such as misinformation, online gambling, children's digital safety, and data privacy.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.