Indonesia Introduces PP Tunas Regulation to Strengthen Online Child Data Protection
Indonesia has introduced new rules aimed at strengthening the protection of children’s personal data and privacy online. The Government Regulation on Electronic System Governance for Child Protection, known as PP Tunas, requires digital platforms to improve safeguards for young users and restrict access to services considered high risk. According to the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, the regulation responds to growing concerns that children’s data can be exploited or monetised through online platforms without their full understanding.
Announcing the measure in Jakarta, Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid said the regulation was designed to ensure stronger protection for minors as digital platforms become more embedded in everyday life. Details of the policy were outlined in an official report describing how the government intends to strengthen oversight of digital services used by children.
Responding to Risks Around Children’s Data
Minister Hafid said the regulation was introduced after studies and legal cases in several countries highlighted how children’s personal information can be exploited or used for commercial purposes without appropriate safeguards. She noted that many young users share information on social media without fully understanding which types of data should remain private.
“We are introducing this regulation to protect children’s private data. Currently, this data is spread across various social media platforms, and children often do not know what information should or should not be shared,” — Meutya Hafid, Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs
The government has argued that stronger safeguards are needed as children’s online activity continues to expand across social media, gaming platforms and other digital services. Previous policy discussions in Indonesia have already highlighted the need for clearer responsibilities for technology providers, particularly in relation to strengthening child protection in the digital era.
Equal Protection for Children Online
Hafid stressed that digital platforms must ensure equal standards of protection for children regardless of geography or background. She noted that safeguards should apply equally to children in Asia and those in other regions, highlighting the global responsibility of technology companies operating across borders.
“Children in Asia are just as valuable as those in Europe. Regardless of their ethnicity, nationality, or religion, children anywhere in the world have equal worth,” — Meutya Hafid, Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs
The regulation is intended to ensure that insufficient platform safeguards do not expose children to harm in digital environments. It forms part of a broader set of policy measures focused on strengthening online safety and governance across Indonesia’s digital ecosystem, including initiatives aimed at improving digital identity verification and platform accountability, such as biometric SIM registration to boost digital security.
Implementation and Platform Compliance
The PP Tunas regulation will take effect on 28 March 2026. In its initial phase, authorities are focusing on eight widely used platforms: YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Threads, Instagram, X, Bigo Live and Roblox.
As of 9:30 p.m. on 27 March 2026, one day before the rules were scheduled to come into force, only two platforms — X and Bigo Live — were reported to be fully compliant with the requirements. TikTok and Roblox were assessed as partially compliant, while Facebook, Threads, Instagram and YouTube had not yet met the standards specified in the regulation.
The government expects digital platforms to update their policies and technical controls to comply with the new rules. Observers note that the regulation signals a more proactive approach by Indonesia in addressing online risks faced by children and ensuring that technology providers operating in the country adhere to stronger data protection standards.
