Türkiye Bans Social Media for Children Under 15
Türkiye has banned social media services for children under 15, requiring platforms to implement age verification and parental controls starting November 1.
The Cyber Security Directorate of Türkiye has banned social media providers from offering services to children under the age of 15. Published Saturday in the Official Gazette, the regulations take effect on November 1 and stem from legislation passed by the Parliament of Türkiye in April.
Under the new rules, providers must implement age verification methods that prioritize data protection by confirming age thresholds without establishing full identity. For users aged 15 and older, platforms are required to offer differentiated services that account for the physical, mental, and emotional development of the minor.
Additionally, the regulations mandate that platforms provide user-friendly parental control tools and ensure their child-focused policies and algorithms are transparent and auditable. The move aligns Türkiye with other nations, such as Australia, in efforts to combat digital risks and screen addiction. However, rights groups have raised concerns that these measures may contribute to broader restrictions on freedom of expression within the country.
