YouTube complies with Indonesia's social media curbs, minister says

Google's YouTube has handed over a "letter of compliance" to Indonesia's communications minister, minister Meutya Hafid said in a press conference.

Early this month, Indonesia had sent Google a letter of reprimand because YouTube ⁠was not cooperative with the social media curbs which took effect last month.

Under the new regulation, Indonesia requires social media companies with platforms it deems high-risk to deactivate accounts belonging to children under 16.

YouTube has changed the minimum age on its guidelines to 16, Meutya said.

"YouTube has also outlined plans to ‌deactivate ⁠these accounts (under 16) and will eliminate advertisements targeting children and teenagers in the future," she said.

Danny Ardianto, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy for YouTube in ⁠Asia Pacific, in the same press conference said that the company "is in line with the commitment of the Indonesian ⁠government to continue supporting children's protection".

Other social media companies, such as X, Bigo Live, Meta, and ⁠TikTok have complied with the regulation, the minister said, adding that she expects Roblox will follow soon.