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[TECHNOLOGY] · Türkiye · 100 sources

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Turkey bans social media access for children under 15

Turkey has officially published a new regulation in the Official Gazette aimed at protecting children on social media platforms. Prepared by the Presidency of Cybersecurity, the rules prohibit social media service providers from offering services to children under the age of 15. The regulation is set to take effect on November 1, 2026.

To ensure compliance, platforms must implement age verification processes using a digital token issued through the e-Devlet administrative portal. This method is designed to confirm a user's age category without sharing sensitive personal identity information with the platforms. Existing accounts must undergo age verification by March 31, 2027; those found to belong to users under 15 will be closed.

For users aged 15 to 18, the regulation mandates specialized safety and privacy settings. These accounts will be private by default, with restricted visibility of follower and following lists. Additionally, live streaming capabilities and personalized commercial advertising are prohibited for this age group. To combat digital addiction, platforms are also restricted from using features like infinite scrolling or automated content presentation for minors.

Furthermore, the regulation introduces parental control tools. Parents will be able to manage account settings, monitor and limit screen time, and require approval for paid transactions and location sharing. The Ministry of Family and Social Services noted that these measures are intended to safeguard children's physical, mental, and social development in the digital environment.

Entities

Cyber Security Presidency · EDAM · Economic and Foreign Policy Research Center · Freedom of Expression Association · Grand National Assembly of Turkey · Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş · Official Gazette · Presidency Cybersecurity Directorate · Presidency of Cyber Security · Presidency of Cybersecurity · Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye · Turkey

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