Turkey faces calls for stricter digital regulations to protect youth

Citizens and political figures in Turkey are calling for stricter regulations to protect children and youth from the negative impacts of digital media. Numerous citizens have submitted petitions to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) Petition Commission, requesting a comprehensive legal framework to combat violence, obscenity, digital addiction, and personal data violations.

A key proposal involves implementing an e-Devlet based verification system to ensure age-appropriate access to online content. This mechanism aims to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate platforms while maintaining access to educational and cultural materials. Additionally, there are calls for specific criminal penalties to address AI-driven fraud and financial misinformation on platforms like YouTube and Telegram.

Complementing these citizen demands, Muhammed Fatih Müjdeci, Vice President of the Yeniden Refah Party, has urged the Ministry of Family and Social Services to intervene against content deemed harmful to traditional social values. Müjdeci criticized certain musical groups and social media trends for promoting behaviors he claims are incompatible with local customs and morality, calling for state action to protect the moral development of the younger generation.