Date announced for under-15 social media restriction and e-Government verification

Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş announced that children under the age of 15 will not have access to social media in order to protect children from the negative effects of the digital world. The age verification system, to be implemented via e-Government integration, is planned to go into effect for new accounts as of November 1.

New Regulation and e-Government Integration

Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş made important statements regarding the social media regulation concerning children during a live broadcast she attended. Minister Göktaş emphasized that they aim to provide a safer digital environment for children by protecting them from psychological, physiological, and developmental negatives.

Stating that children under the age of 15 will not have access to social media, Göktaş expressed that this process will be carried out through e-Government integration.

Schedule and Transition Process

With the regulation published last week, the roadmap of the implementation was determined. The e-Government age verification system is planned to enter into force for new accounts as of November 1.

While a transition schedule is also presented for existing accounts, it is anticipated that all social media accounts will go through the age verification system by March 31, 2027.

Similar International Practices

Minister Göktaş stated that similar versions of this regulation implemented in Turkey are also being addressed worldwide. Efforts in this direction are being carried out in European countries, notably the United Kingdom, France, and Spain.

Additionally, it was recalled that similar measures aimed at increasing the digital security of children are being taken in Latin American countries, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

Support for Disaster Areas

It was announced that resources will be transferred through the social assistance fund as part of emergency disaster aid for citizens in provinces affected by excessive rainfall.

It was noted that screening activities have been initiated in areas affected by the downpour in Istanbul and that needy citizens who suffered initial damage from the disaster will be supported.

Nursing Home and Nursery Investments

Touching upon services for the elderly and children, Minister Göktaş announced that 6 new nursing homes with a capacity of 593 will be opened by the end of the year.

Furthermore, within the scope of the ongoing nursery mobilization, it was shared that 349 public nurseries have been put into service this year.