Social Media Ban for Under-15s and New Age Verification System in Turkey
With the regulation published in the Official Gazette, social media use by children under 15 has been banned, and an age verification system via e-Government has been introduced.
New regulations implemented in Turkey to enhance children's safety in the digital world ban social media use for individuals under 15 while imposing e-Government-based age verification and strict oversight obligations on platforms.
New Regulation Published in the Official Gazette
With the regulation published in the Official Gazette dated October 10, 2026, the foundations of a new era aiming to protect children in digital platform use in Turkey were laid.
Social Media and Communication Networks Within the Scope
The new regulation covers social network providers with daily access exceeding a certain number.
Accordingly, restrictions include platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, Snapchat, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitch, Kick, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Discord.
Main Purpose and Limits of the Application
While the decision does not completely block access to the platforms in Turkey, it exclusively prevents children under 15 from registering for and using these platforms.
Age Verification Token via e-Government
Users will not upload their ID photos to foreign platforms; instead, they will transact using an Age Verification Token generated via e-Government.
Thus, platforms will only see whether a user is over 15 and will not be able to access personal data.
Rules for Young People Aged 15-17
Accounts for young people in this age group will be private by default, and they will be prohibited from starting live broadcasts.
Infinite Scrolling and Content Consumption Restrictions
Presenting content to children's accounts via infinite scrolling has been banned, and users will be required to click a load more button.