YouTube Strengthens Child Safety Features Amid PP Tunas 2025 Rollout
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| YouTube strengthens child protection features in line with PP Tunas 2025, introducing parental controls and AI-based age verification for safer digital experiences. (Illustration Image) |
Jakarta – Global video platform YouTube is stepping up its efforts to protect children and teenagers in the digital space. The move aligns with the implementation of Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on Electronic System Governance for Child Protection, widely known as PP Tunas.
In its official statement, YouTube Indonesia emphasized that protecting young users should not rely on total restrictions.
“This approach encourages the development of integrated protection features and age-appropriate digital experiences for young users,” the company stated.
Parents Take Center Stage In Digital Supervision
YouTube is rolling out features that position parents as the primary controllers of their children’s digital activities.
One key feature is screen time management on YouTube Shorts, allowing parents to limit viewing time—even down to zero minutes.
In addition, through the Google Family Link app, parents can:
Set device usage schedules
Lock screens remotely
Enable break and bedtime reminders
Monitor app activity
AI-Based Age Verification Technology
YouTube is also developing artificial intelligence-based age verification to ensure users receive content suited to their age group.
This age inference technology is expected to launch ahead of the PP Tunas compliance deadline in March 2027.
The system aims to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content.
Built-In Features For Digital Wellbeing
Beyond parental controls, YouTube includes built-in safeguards such as:
Break reminders
Notification limits starting at 10:00 PM
Autoplay disabled for users under 18
These features are designed to promote healthier digital habits among teens.
Full Restrictions May Backfire
According to YouTube Indonesia, fully restricting access for users under 16 could have unintended consequences.
Young users may lose access to built-in safety tools, parental controls, and account supervision features already integrated into the platform.
Promoting Digital Literacy And Collaboration
Beyond technology, YouTube is actively promoting digital literacy through various initiatives, including:
Training for 2,500 school counselors in collaboration with the Jakarta Provincial Government
Development of digital wellbeing guidelines with:
Indonesian Psychiatric Association
Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital
University of Indonesia
Youth Champions program to empower peer-to-peer digital safety advocacy
Looking ahead, YouTube encourages the government to involve multiple stakeholders in shaping adaptive, risk-based policies.
The company also expressed readiness to support PP Tunas implementation through self-assessment mechanisms to maintain child safety standards online.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is PP Tunas 2025?
PP Tunas is an Indonesian government regulation focused on protecting children in digital and electronic systems.
2. What does Family Link do?
It allows parents to control screen time, monitor usage, and manage their child’s device remotely.
3. Is YouTube safe for children?
With parental controls and AI-based age verification, YouTube is safer—but supervision is still essential.
4. Why not ban users under 16 entirely?
A full ban could remove access to built-in safety and parental control features.
5. When will AI age verification be launched?
It is expected to roll out before March 2027.
