Turkey announces social media age verification regulations

Turkey is introducing new social media regulations aimed at protecting children from digital risks. According to Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, the Minister of Family and Social Services, children under the age of 15 will be prohibited from accessing social media platforms.

Users aged 15 to 18 will receive specialized services designed to mitigate addiction and security risks. These accounts will default to private settings with restricted features, including the disabling of live streaming, infinite scrolling, and personalized advertising. Additionally, screenshot capabilities will be blocked for these age groups.

Age verification will be conducted through a digital verification code integrated with the e-Devlet system. The implementation is scheduled to begin on November 1, 2026, for all new accounts. Existing accounts will undergo a phased verification process, with the goal of having all current users verified by March 31, 2027.