Experts Call for Gradual Formula Prior to Under-15 Social Media Restriction
Ahead of the under-15 social media ban taking effect on November 1, an EDAM report revealed that 84 percent of society wants decision-making authority to rest with families and the majority is requesting a postponement.
The legal regulation imposing limits on social media use by children under 15 in Turkey is coming into effect on November 1. In a report published by the Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies, experts called for gradual formulas and additional time instead of harsh restrictions.
Date of Legal Regulation
The implementation process of the legal regulation on social media restriction, prepared to protect children under 15 from online risks in Turkey, officially begins as of November 1.
EDAM Research Report
The Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies examined international examples, published a comprehensive research report on the subject, and drew attention to the necessity of public intervention.
Experts stated that uniform and harsh restrictions alone will not provide a solution and could drive children to unmonitored digital platforms, requesting alternative security methods to be provided.
Public Opinion Survey Data
According to data in the EDAM report, 84 percent of society argue that the family should play a role in the decision regarding social media use for a 13-year-old child.
While the rate of those wanting the law to start on November 1 as planned was 45 percent, the rate of those requesting a postponement or time allowance was 53 percent.
Data Privacy Concerns
The rate of those concerned about matching social media accounts with official identification information hovers at 67 percent level.
The rate of participants who do not trust the consent mechanisms to be given to platforms was recorded as 69 percent.
Sinan Ülgen's Evaluations
EDAM Research Director Sinan Ülgen emphasized that risks vary according to age groups and that the threats for 8-year-old and 15-year-old groups are not the same.
Stating that the negative reflections of restrictions on sectors such as e-commerce and tourism should be calculated, Ülgen said that identification models in the banking sector could be an alternative.