Turkey has introduced new regulations prohibiting social media platforms from providing services to children under the age of 15. The rules, published in the Official Gazette, require social media companies to prevent underage users from accessing their platforms.
Under the regulations, platforms must also provide age-appropriate services and introduce safeguards for users aged 15 and above. These measures must consider children’s physical, mental, psychological, social, and emotional development.
Social media companies are required to implement age verification systems that protect users’ personal information. The systems must determine whether a user meets the minimum age requirement without unnecessarily verifying their identity. Platforms must also make their age verification methods, algorithms, and child protection policies transparent and open to review by users, parents, and the Cyber Security Directorate.
The new rules further require companies to provide clear and easy-to-use parental control tools, allowing parents to manage their children’s online activities.
The measures aim to strengthen online safety for children and ensure that social media platforms provide services appropriate to users’ ages and developmental needs.
