Age Verification and Restriction Regulation for Children on Social Media
Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş shared the details of the social media regulation prepared for children under 15 and youth aged 15-18.
Within the scope of the new social media regulation announced by Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, e-Government-based age verification is becoming mandatory for children under 15 and youth aged 15-18, and various restrictions are being implemented on platforms.
Statement Following the Cabinet Meeting
Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş made statements to members of the press following the Cabinet Meeting held at the Presidential Complex.
Following the meeting, the details of the comprehensive social media regulation prepared for the protection of children and youth in digital environments were shared with the public.
e-Government-Based Age Verification
According to the new regulation, users who want to open an account on social media platforms for the first time will be directed to the e-Government system for age verification.
Users will be able to create their accounts with the help of a digital code they obtain by verifying their age information via e-Government.
Suspension of Suspicious Accounts
Social media platforms will continue their processes of estimating and controlling the ages of users throughout the period they provide services.
In the event of any suspicion that a child under the age of fifteen is using the account, the relevant account will be temporarily suspended and redirected to re-e-Government verification.
Restrictions for the 15-18 Age Group
Screen addiction-inducing features such as infinite scrolling, continuous scrolling to the top, and endless scrolling will be banned for youth between the ages of fifteen and eighteen.
In addition, features such as taking screen copies and starting live broadcasts will be completely disabled for this age group.
Messaging and Privacy Measures
In order to increase the safety of young users, a rule has been introduced that they can only receive messages from accounts they follow.
Along with this, turning off read receipts and various protective measures regarding ad displays have also been included in the new regulatory package.
Compliance Process and Schedule
The newly prepared regulation is planned to enter into force on November 1.
A temporary compliance period until March 31, 2027, will be granted for social media companies to make their infrastructures compatible with these rules.
Statements on Fund Investigation
In addition to the regulatory details, Minister Göktaş evaluated the allegations and related file numbers regarding Ümit Özlale within the scope of the fund investigation.
Stating that it has been confirmed that the investigation file has no connection with her family, Göktaş made various statements on the subject.