Indonesia Issues Warning to Google Over YouTube Child Safety Compliance
Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has issued a formal warning to Google after determining that YouTube has not complied with new regulations designed to strengthen the protection of children on digital platforms. The move follows an inspection conducted on 7 April 2026 under Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025, known as PP Tunas. According to official reporting, authorities found that the platform had not met required compliance obligations or indicated a clear timeline for alignment with the new rules.
The regulation, which came into effect on 28 March 2026, introduces stricter governance requirements for technology platforms operating in Indonesia. It forms part of the government’s broader effort to improve digital safety for minors, building on initiatives such as those outlined in Indonesia’s regulatory push to strengthen child online safety.
Inspection Finds YouTube Non-Compliant
Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid said authorities identified compliance gaps following the April inspection. The ministry concluded that YouTube had not met obligations under PP Tunas and had not indicated plans to comply in the near future.
“It was found that YouTube has not fulfilled its compliance obligations and has not stated its intention to comply with applicable laws in the near future,” — Meutya Hafid, Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs
As a result, the Director General of Digital Space Supervision issued a formal warning letter to Google. The action represents the first step in a sanctions framework introduced through Ministerial Regulation No. 9 of 2026, which sets out enforcement mechanisms for the new law.
Gradual Sanctions Framework for Platforms
The implementing regulation outlines a staged approach to enforcement. Platforms that fail to meet the standards may face escalating penalties, beginning with warning letters and potentially progressing to temporary access suspension or the termination of platform access within Indonesia.
“Our sanctions are gradual, while still hoping for a change in attitude from Google, and today we issued a warning letter,” — Meutya Hafid, Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs
The government has emphasised that enforcement is intended to encourage compliance rather than immediately restrict access. Authorities expect major platforms to adopt stronger safeguards for younger users and demonstrate adherence to Indonesian regulations.
Mixed Compliance Among Major Platforms
While YouTube has yet to meet the new requirements, the government reports that several other major platforms have already complied with PP Tunas. Meta, for example, has restricted access to Instagram, Facebook, and Threads for users under the age of 16 in Indonesia.
Other platforms identified as compliant include X and Bigo Live. The regulation initially targeted eight large digital services widely used by young audiences: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, Bigo Live, YouTube, TikTok, and Roblox.
The enforcement action reflects Indonesia’s wider policy approach, which combines regulation, digital literacy programmes, and collaboration with platforms to reduce online risks for children. Previous government initiatives have highlighted the importance of coordinated policy and education measures, as seen in multi-faceted national strategies to safeguard children online and broader efforts linking regulation with public awareness campaigns.
Officials have indicated that further action will depend on whether platforms demonstrate progress towards compliance with PP Tunas and its implementing regulations.
