The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) has issued a formal warning to YouTube after discovering a live stream that promoted electronic cigarettes, or vape, involving minors. This incident has raised serious concerns regarding child exploitation in digital spaces.
Government's Stance on Child Protection
Meutya Hafid, the Minister of Communication and Digital, emphasized that using children to promote products unsuitable for them is a significant violation that cannot be overlooked. She stated, "Children must be protected from all forms of exploitation in the digital realm. Content that involves children in promoting vape products clearly contradicts the spirit of child protection and has no place on digital platforms."
Details of the Incident
The warning was prompted by a live streaming event featuring YouTuber Muhammad Jannah, known as Bigmo, who allegedly involved a minor in vape promotion. This incident highlights the challenges of regulating content that targets younger audiences.
Regulatory Framework and Actions
According to Meutya, the warning to YouTube is part of enforcing compliance with the Electronic System Organizer (PSE) regulations as outlined in the Ministry of Communication and Informatics Regulation No. 5 of 2020. In the letter, Komdigi has requested YouTube to review the concerning content and take appropriate action, as well as provide clarification on the steps taken to address such violations.
Future Measures and Compliance
Furthermore, YouTube is urged to enhance its content moderation systems proactively, especially regarding potentially harmful content that could violate child protection principles. The ministry expects quicker responses to similar issues and effective age detection mechanisms to limit access to inappropriate content.
Meutya stressed the urgency for platforms to act swiftly, stating, "The digital space should not be a place where children are used as tools to promote products that could jeopardize their health." Komdigi has provided YouTube with a deadline of three days to address the warning. Failure to comply could result in administrative sanctions, including written reprimands, fines, temporary service suspensions, or even access termination to electronic systems.
The government prioritizes guidance and compliance but is prepared to enforce regulations if content moderation obligations are neglected. Meutya affirmed the ministry's commitment to strengthening oversight of digital content that poses risks to children and ensuring that electronic system organizers fulfill their content moderation responsibilities.
“Child protection in the digital space is a government priority that requires joint commitment from digital platforms, content creators, parents, and society at large,” she concluded.
Source: https://tekno.kompas.com/read/2026/08/02/17340017/komdigi-tegur-youtube-usai-youtuber-promosikan-vape-libatkan-anak-di-live
