Social media account ban era begins for those under 15

Under the regulation published in the Official Gazette, a ban on opening accounts for children under the age of 15 will be implemented on social media platforms starting November 1. Through a digital age verification system to be conducted via e-Government, users' age groups will be determined while protecting their personal data.

The new regulation prevents social network providers from offering account services to individuals who have not reached the age of 15. Users who wish to open a new account after November 1 will be required to verify their age using a digital token to be created via the e-Government portal through the Cyber Security Presidency. This system will only report the user's age group to the platforms without transferring the user's identity information.

For existing accounts, a control process will be carried out until March 31, 2027. Accounts found to belong to users under 15 by this date will be closed after notification is provided. Data for accounts that are not contested will be deleted, while data will be preserved in cases of objection until the process is concluded.

For users between the ages of 15 and 17, a 'differentiated service model specific to children' will be implemented. Within this scope, accounts will be kept private by default, live streaming will not be possible, follower lists will be hidden, and personalized advertisements along with the infinite scroll feature will be disabled. Parents will be granted the opportunity to manage their children's account settings and usage times.