Turkey has implemented new regulations, effective November 1, that restrict social media access for individuals under the age of 15. The measures mandate age verification for all social media users, requiring them to use age certificates issued by the Turkish government’s e-Devlet system.
Under the new rules, existing accounts belonging to users under 15 will be closed after a verification period. Users aged between 15 and 17 will be transitioned to a segregated service designed specifically for teenagers. Social media platforms face significant penalties for non-compliance, including fines up to 3% of their global annual revenue and potential reductions in internet bandwidth.
The regulation, which amends Law No. 5651, defines individuals under 18 as children. The age verification process, managed through the e-Devlet system and an age certificate issued by the Presidential Digital Transformation Office, will determine if a user is under 15, between 15 and 18, or over 18. Platforms are prohibited from using this age certificate for purposes other than age verification and must continuously verify user ages, suspending accounts if usage is inconsistent with the verified age. Appeals against account suspensions cannot be solely based on automated mechanisms.
For users aged 15-17, the segregated service will include restrictions on addictive features, default private accounts, and limitations on public profile options. Features such as synchronized friend lists, account recommendations, and the ability to screenshot profile pictures and posts will be prohibited. Live streaming, infinite scrolling feeds, sequential short video playback, personalized content, and targeted advertising based on behavior will also be disallowed for this age group. Parents will have the ability to manage account settings, require parental consent for purchases, monitor usage time, and set time limits for users aged 15-17.
The government’s move comes amid concerns about the impact of social media on young people. President Erdoğan has previously stated that some digital sharing applications are “corrupting children’s minds.” The Minister of Family and Social Services has also highlighted concerns about excessive screen time affecting sleep and its links to depression and anxiety.
Penalties for non-compliance are substantial. Platforms failing to adhere to the regulations may face a ban on new advertising contracts and payments from Turkish advertisers. Continued non-compliance could lead to a 50% reduction in internet bandwidth, potentially increasing to 90% after further non-compliance.
This development in Turkey aligns with a broader global trend of countries implementing stricter regulations for social media platforms concerning minors. Australia is set to implement a ban for under 16s starting in December 2025, with platforms responsible for age determination. Indonesia will prohibit under 16s from certain digital services starting in March 2026. The UK, France, and Spain are also considering or have implemented similar measures.
Uncertainties remain regarding the specific technical guidelines for the age certificates, their structure, format, and the process for their issuance by the Presidential Digital Transformation Office. The timeline for the release of these detailed guidelines is also not yet clear, potentially creating challenges for social media companies in achieving full compliance by the effective date.
Why This Matters
The materials describe a narrow update: Turkey has enacted a new regulation, effective November 1, prohibiting social media platforms from allowing users under 15 to create accounts. The exact structure, format, and process of the age certificates to be issued by the Presidential Digital Transformation Office.
Broader Context
Source materials place the factual news in this context: The regulation was announced shortly after a school shooting incident where a 14-year-old boy killed 9 students and 1 teacher.
