e-Government Authentication Regulation for Social Media in Turkey

It is planned to establish an authentication infrastructure using a personalized key generated via e-Government for logging into social networks with more than 1 million daily accesses in Turkey, and to implement legal regulations aimed at protecting children under 15. Prepared in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, the Directorate of Communications, BTK, and the Presidency of Cybersecurity, the system aims to create a secure digital space rather than shutting down platforms.

The new legal regulation prepared in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, the Directorate of Communications, the Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK), and the Presidency of Cybersecurity brings significant innovations to the use of social networks in Turkey. It is envisaged that logging into social networks with daily access exceeding one million will require authentication using a personalized key generated via e-Government.

Under the system, personal data is not shared directly with social media companies; information is stored under state guarantee within BTK, while platforms are only provided with a special code confirming that verification has been completed. While users can continue to post under pseudonyms, real identity information will only come into question when requested by judicial authorities within the scope of catalog crimes such as fraud, blackmail, illegal betting, and cyberbullying. In addition, with steps on the agenda of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), access for children under 15 is restricted, and parental control and age verification are made mandatory. Global giants are granted a nine-month period to comply with the rules, and those that fail to comply face administrative fines, advertising bans, and bandwidth restriction sanctions.