Fraud warning before age verification on social media

Ahead of the safe internet and age verification regulation coming into effect in Turkey as of November 1, a warning was issued that cyber scammers are sending fake messages with the excuse that "your account will be closed." International Social Media Association President Said Ercan stated that citizens should not click on such suspicious links.

International Social Media Association President Said Ercan announced that the age identification process will be carried out by the Presidency of Cyber Security via e-Government using a digital code. Ercan emphasized that this procedure is completely free of charge and users will not be asked to directly give their Turkish ID numbers or personal information to social networks.

While the new regulation bans children under 15 from opening social media accounts, restrictions on live broadcasts and video content have been introduced for teenagers between 15 and 18 until March 31. Ercan warned families that attempts by children to bypass the ban through VPNs or accounts belonging to others may entail legal liability.