Social Media Ban and Restrictions for Under-15s Begin in Turkey

With the new regulation announced by the Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, a social media ban is being imposed on children under 15, while various restrictions are being introduced for users aged 15-18. The system, which will come into effect as of November 1, grants social media platforms until March 31, 2027, to ensure compliance. Age verification will be carried out via e-Devlet, and features such as continuous scrolling, starting live broadcasts, and screen recording will be restricted.

Within the scope of the new regulation, measures include allowing only followed accounts to send messages on social media platforms and disabling read receipts in messages. While it is stated that the application aims to protect children from digital risks, eSafety reports from Australia, where similar restrictions are applied, show that bans have had limited success in reducing usage rates in the field.

Evaluation: Experts and critical views argue that age verification systems integrated with e-Devlet could restrict the right to anonymity and lead children to turn to less regulated platforms. Furthermore, data on violence and abuse against children brings to the fore discussions regarding the lack of physical and social protection mechanisms beyond digital restrictions.