Regulating Age Assurance for Children on Social Media: A Comparative Rights-Based Framework for Indonesia

Rahayu Rahayu, Kholis Roisah, Muhamad Nafi Uz Zaman, Muhammad Hazel Nailah Akbar

Abstract

This article examines the regulation of age assurance for children on social media in Indonesia following the enactment of Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 concerning the Governance of electronic system for Child Protection. This study compares regulatory models of age assurance across selected jurisdictions and evaluates their compatibility with the best interests of the child, particularly in relation to privacy, proportionality, access to information and digital inclusion. Using a doctrinal legal research approach, the study examines primary legal materials and relevant secondary sources to compare regulatory models and assess their implications for children’s rights. This study reveals a variety of regulatory approaches, such as the risk-based model used by the European Union and the United Kingdom, more prescriptive measures such as those in France, and a registration system using real names used in China. Meanwhile, Indonesia adopts a risk-based approach with age classification and proportional access restrictions. However, the regulation does not establish specific technical standards for age verification methods and remains substantially dependent on self-regulation by electronic system providers. This study recommends strengthening regulations through the development of auditable verification standards, compliance monitoring mechanisms, and digital literacy to ensure the best interests of children in the digital environment.

Keywords

Age Assurance; Best Interest for the Child; Social Media.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.20961/yustisia.v15i2.110965

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