Social Media Restriction for Under-15s Goes Live on November 1
While preparations continue for the new regulation limiting social media use for children under 15, an EDAM report reveals that 84 percent of parents want the decision left to families.
The implementation process of the legal regulation aiming to restrict social media use for children under 15 in Turkey starts on November 1. Experts emphasize that public intervention is essential to protect children from online risks, but suggest phased formulas and alternative authentication methods instead of uniform restrictions.
The Regulation Starts on November 1
The implementation process of the legal regulation limiting social media use for children under 15 in Turkey begins on November 1. Stating that public intervention is essential to protect children from online risks, experts argue, however, that uniform restrictions alone will not be a solution.
84 Percent of Parents Say the Decision Should Belong to the Family
According to a report prepared by the Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM), the proportion of those arguing that parents should directly decide whether a 13-year-old child should use social media was determined as 65 percent. Together with those who want parents to decide within the boundaries drawn by the law, this rate reaches 84 percent.
Alternative and Phased Solutions from Experts
Experts state that instead of uniform security methods like e-Government, alternative authentication methods similar to those in the banking sector can also be offered. They call for consensus on a phased formula for separating educational content platforms from risky mediums and protecting personal privacy.
Demand for Postponement and Time from a Wide Segment of Society
In the prepared report, the rate of those who do not want a complete start in November remained at 53 percent, while the rate of those saying it should start as planned stayed at 45 percent. The rate of those wanting the implementation to be postponed or granted time until technical and data issues are resolved draws attention.
Sinan Ülgen Calls for Time for the Right Formula
EDAM Research Director Sinan Ülgen emphasized that public intervention is supported to eliminate risks, but the risks faced by a 15-year-old and an 8-year-old child are not the same. Ülgen stated that society should be given time to find the right formula so that the implementation does not affect tourism and e-commerce.
Account and Identity Matching Causes Concern
According to the research results, account and identity matching worries a broad segment. The rate of those who are anxious reaches 67 percent, while the rate of those who do not trust the assurance that platforms will only receive a verification key is included in the report as 69 percent.