Turkey proposes a plan to reduce online abuse and misinformation

Turkey is set to transform its digital landscape with a new regulatory proposal aimed at combating misinformation, online abuse, and networks of fake accounts. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek unveiled the main outlines of this plan in early April 2026, indicating that social media users will soon be required to verify their identity using their national identification numbers.

A Measure to Strengthen Online Accountability

According to Akın Gürlek, the primary goal of this initiative is to combat cybercrime and hold individuals accountable for their actions on digital platforms. "If a person opens an account on social media and commits a crime, there must be consequences," he stated. "We want social media to be subject to rules and a legal framework. If someone opens an account, they must take responsibility for it."

The reform will be introduced as part of Turkey's 12th Judicial Reform Plan, which will establish the legal basis for this identification requirement. Once the regulation is implemented, existing users will have a three-month transition period to link their accounts to their real identities through tools such as Turkey's e-Government platform. Unverified accounts or those identified as bots will be deleted.

Potential Impact on Misinformation and Security

Ali Murat Kırık, a professor at Marmara University, stated that this system could mark a significant shift in the balance between anonymity and accountability in the digital world. "The proposed system aims to reduce manipulation carried out by misinformation, reputation attacks, and fake accounts (bots)," he explained. He also emphasized that this approach would be technically feasible through API integration with centralized identity verification systems.

Kırık added that the direct link between digital accounts and real individuals could discourage the spread of false or illegal information. "When users know that their online activity is directly tied to their real identity and legal responsibilities, they are more likely to act cautiously. This could lead to a notable decrease in the spread of false information."

Mert H. Akgün, a researcher in law and human rights at the Foundation for Political, Economic, and Social Research (SETA), also supported the idea that this measure could help strengthen the rule of law in the digital space. "Anonymity should not serve as a shield against legal accountability," he stated.

However, he warned that this solution alone would not dismantle the complex ecosystems behind misinformation, which include coordinated networks, automated systems, and engagement-based business models. "Introducing real-name requirements may reduce certain types of fake accounts, but it does not automatically dismantle the broader ecosystem through which misinformation operates," he explained.

Increased Cooperation with Digital Platforms

The implementation of this plan also relies on the cooperation of major digital platforms such as X and Meta. These companies, which had previously resisted similar requirements, now appear more willing to comply with national regulations, according to Kırık. This shift is partly a result of recent Turkish laws requiring platforms to maintain local representation and adhere to national regulations.

Gürlek further emphasized the need for platforms to comply with the rules: "If someone insults or conducts an online defamation campaign, they must face the consequences."

Protecting Youth and Regulating Online Practices

The reform project will also introduce age restrictions for accessing social media, setting a minimum age of 15. Children under 15 will not be able to create accounts, and biometric filtering systems will be applied to underage users.

At the same time, Turkey continues to develop initiatives to combat misinformation through the Anti-Disinformation Center (DMM), which focuses on fact-checking related to national security, public safety, and diplomatic affairs.

Burhanettin Duran, director of the Communications Directorate, summarized the need for a regulatory framework by stating: "We cannot abandon the digital world, but we must manage it. Control must remain in our hands."

A Balanced Approach for the Digital Future

While experts recognize the potential of this reform to enhance online security and accountability, they emphasize that a delicate balance is necessary to preserve freedom of expression while protecting fundamental rights and public safety. As Akgün noted, "Balancing freedom of expression with the protection of other fundamental rights and public safety remains a delicate challenge."

The future of Turkey's digital space now hinges on the authorities' ability to implement these measures while ensuring they do not compromise the open and dynamic nature of public discourse online.

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