Turkey Introduces Social Media Ban for Children Under 15
Minister of Family and Social Policy Mahinur Göktaş described this as an important step toward a safe digital environment for children.
In Turkey, regulations have entered into force under which children under 15 will be unable to create accounts on social media. Platforms are obligated to verify users' ages, deny registration to children, and block their access to age-inappropriate content.
Teenagers aged 15 to 18 will have access to separate versions of the services. Their profiles will be private by default, and only those they follow themselves will be able to message them. Live streams and infinite scroll will be disabled for them. Using teenagers' data for targeted advertising is prohibited.
Parents will receive control tools: they will be able to limit screen time, monitor geolocation and purchases, and set spending limits.
Existing accounts must be verified by March 31, 2027. Profiles of children under 15 will be deleted. Platforms that fail to comply with the requirements face sanctions under the internet law.
