Turkey is preparing regulations for social media for those under 15 years old
Turkey is preparing rules to limit access to social networks for those under 15 years old.
Turkey is set to introduce new rules aimed at regulating the use of social media by children under the age of 15. Authorities are currently working on implementation guidelines, technical infrastructures, and age verification systems, with the goal of creating safer digital spaces for minors.
Measures for Controlled Use of Social Media
Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Minister of Family and Social Services, stated during the panel "Equal Opportunities in Education and Social Life: A Barrier-Free Future" held in Parliament that her ministry has established a working group to oversee the implementation of the regulations.
"Consultations with relevant institutions and stakeholders are ongoing, and the regulation defining the framework for implementation will soon be finalized and enacted," Göktaş specified.
She emphasized that the proposed measures aim to encourage controlled use of social media by children and to prevent their exposure to age-inappropriate content.
A Major Digital Reform
Adopted by Parliament in April 2026, this legislation is part of the most ambitious digital security reforms recently undertaken by Turkey. It requires social media companies to enhance child protection measures, implement age verification systems, and create safer digital environments for minors.
Under this new regulatory framework, children under 15 will no longer be able to open accounts on social media. Platforms will be required to establish effective systems for verifying users' ages.
Technical Preparations and Inter-Institutional Coordination
According to Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, technical studies are underway to determine the age verification methods that platforms will need to use in accordance with the new regulations. "The process is coordinated with public institutions and other concerned organizations to ensure effective implementation once the regulation is in force," she explained.
Additional Measures for Teenagers
In addition to restrictions targeting children under 15, separate measures are being prepared for users aged 15 to 18. This includes the establishment of age-appropriate services, enhanced parental control mechanisms, and faster intervention procedures for harmful content.
With these new provisions, Turkey aims to protect younger generations from the growing risks of the digital world while providing them with a more secure online environment suitable for their development.
Geoffrey G.
