Turkey’s social media restrictions for under-15s take effect November 1

• 

  Turkey’s restrictions banning children under 15 from using social media are set to take effect on November 1, 2026.

• 

  The regulations were published in the Official Gazette on October 10, following parliament’s adoption of a law in April.

• 

  Social media providers must use technical and administrative measures, including age verification, to enforce the restrictions.

• 

  Platforms must also provide additional protections for users aged 15 to 17, including private accounts and limits on messaging and livestreaming.

• 

  Existing accounts must undergo age verification by March 31, 2027, under the requirements reported by Daily Sabah and Milliyet.

Who

Children under 15 are barred from using social media; platforms must enforce the restrictions.

What

Turkey published regulations restricting children’s social media use and requiring age verification and other safeguards.

When

The rules take effect on November 1, 2026. Existing accounts must be checked by March 31, 2027.

Where

Turkey.

Why

Authorities presented the restrictions as a way to protect children from online risks, including excessive screen time, sleep disruption and cyberbullying.

This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.