Turkiye is set to introduce a ban on social media access for children under the age of 15, effective November 1. The decision was published in the country's official gazette on October 10, following legislation passed by the Turkish parliament in April. This move aims to safeguard children from potential risks associated with social media use.
Under the new regulations, social media providers must implement technical and administrative measures, including age verification, to prevent children below the age limit from accessing their services. The legislation also prohibits services that may create addictive effects in children from being offered to them. This ban is part of Turkiye's broader efforts to regulate digital services and protect children.
The law introduces new obligations for digital platforms, including companies involved in online gaming. Existing laws have been amended, and new requirements have been established for social media providers and gaming companies. This move is part of a growing international trend to restrict children's access to social media, with countries like Australia and France also implementing or considering similar measures.
Australia introduced a ban for users under 16 in December 2025, while France has pursued restrictions on access for children under 15. Other European countries have also considered measures to limit minors' use of social media. These efforts aim to address concerns about children's exposure to harmful online content, cyberbullying, sleep disruption, and addictive platform features.
However, restrictions on digital access have also raised questions about children's freedom of expression and how governments should regulate online spaces. Turkiye's ban places greater responsibility on social media companies to verify users' ages and enforce the new restrictions. The Turkish government aims to balance protecting children from online risks with preserving their freedom of expression.
The ban is set to take effect on November 1, and social media companies will be required to comply with the new regulations. This move has sparked a wider debate about the role of governments in regulating online spaces and the responsibility of social media companies in protecting children. The international community will be watching Turkiye's implementation of this ban.
The decision comes as Turkiye continues to develop its regulatory approach to digital services. The country has been actively working to address concerns about children's online safety, and this ban is seen as a key step in that process. The effectiveness of the ban and its impact on children's online activities will be closely monitored in the coming months.
Key points
- Turkiye will ban children under 15 from accessing social media platforms starting November 1.
- The ban aims to protect children from potential online risks, including exposure to harmful content and addictive platform features.
- The move is part of a growing international trend to restrict children's access to social media.
