Social media ban for under-15s and new age verification system launched
As of November 1, 2026, social media usage for children under 15 has been banned. A restricted model has been introduced for those aged 15-18, and age verification will be conducted via e-Devlet.
With the new regulation that came into effect in Turkey on November 1, 2026, children under the age of 15 are prohibited from receiving services from social media network providers.
The regulation, implemented within the scope of the articles added to Law No. 5651 and the Cyber Security Presidency regulation, envisions a special service model for youth aged 15-18 where adult interaction is restricted and there is no feed page. User age determination will be provided through an automatic verification system carried out via e-Devlet.
Sakarya University Faculty of Law Lecturer Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sezercan Bektaş reminded that all users must verify their age information via e-Devlet by March 31, 2027. Social media network providers are obligated to offer applications that support parental control.
Assessment: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bektaş warned parents not to share their e-Devlet passwords with their children, noting that they should be cautious against scammers who might send fake messages under the pretext of 'approval via e-Devlet'.
Sources
- istanbulgazetesi.com.tr · Link