Social Media Regulation for Children Under 15 Published in the Official Gazette

The new social media regulation aimed at increasing children's online safety has been published in the Official Gazette. Set to enter into force on November 1, 2026, the regulation makes the age limit of 15 mandatory for new account openings, while granting a transition period until March 31, 2027, for existing accounts.

Published in the Official Gazette

The regulation regarding the under-15 social media regulation, aimed at increasing children's online safety, was published in the Official Gazette dated October 10, 2026. The regulation, prepared by the Presidency's Directorate of Cybersecurity, was officially announced.

Titled the Regulation on the Provision of Segregated Services Specific to Children by Social Network Providers and Age Verification, this new legal text is preparing to transition to the implementation phase in line with the specified dates.

Enforcement and Transition Period

The newly prepared regulation will fully enter into force on November 1, 2026. As of this date, social network providers will not be able to offer services to children under the age of 15 and will require the age condition for new account openings.

A transition period until March 31, 2027, has been granted for the completion of age verification procedures for existing accounts opened previously. Accounts of users who do not meet the age requirement will be closed.

Verification via e-Government

It is anticipated that the age verification process will be carried out through a technical token to be created via the e-Government Gateway.

Thanks to this method, users' identity information will not be transferred to the platforms, but only the information on whether they meet the age limits will be transmitted.