Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 4 hrs ago
Türkiye bars under-15s from social media under new rules
Türkiye’s new rules bar children under 15 from social media accounts and took effect on Nov.
1.
Platforms must check ages using a token generated through the government’s e-Devlet system, which shows whether someone is 15 or 18 without giving platforms their name.
Platforms must verify existing accounts by March 31, 2027, and close accounts found to belong to under-15s after notifying users and allowing objections.
Accounts for 15- to 17-year-olds must be private, cannot livestream, and can receive messages only from accounts they follow.
Parents will be able to limit screen time and approve paid transactions, while users and parents can challenge age checks and account closures.
Experts say age limits alone cannot keep children safe online and call for safer platform design, digital literacy and open communication between children and families.
The rules also restrict targeted advertising and other features that can expose children to commercial profiling or harmful content.
Türkiye’s new rules bar social media platforms from providing accounts to children under 15 and require age checks through a system linked to the e-Government Gateway.
The rules also impose privacy, messaging and livestreaming limits on users aged 15 to 17, and give parents tools to oversee accounts and spending.
Platforms must verify existing accounts by March 31, 2027, and close accounts found to belong to children under 15 after notifying users and allowing objections.
The sources differ on when the rules take effect: Daily Sabah says Nov. 1, while Habertürk says they took effect Oct. 31.
Experts cited by Daily Sabah said age limits alone would not address online risks and called for safer platform design, digital literacy and open communication.
- Who
- Social media platforms accessible from Türkiye, and users under 18.
- What
- New rules prohibit services to children under 15 and set safeguards for users aged 15 to 17.
- When
- Habertürk reports the rules took effect Oct. 31, 2026; Daily Sabah says the restrictions start Nov. 1. Existing accounts must be checked by March 31, 2027.
- Where
- Türkiye.
- Why
- The rules aim to protect children online; experts say age limits alone may not address the risks.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Habertürk reports that the regulation was published in the Official Gazette.
Habertürk reports that the regulation took effect.
Daily Sabah says the under-15 access bar begins.
Platforms must complete age checks on existing accounts under the rules described by both sources.
- Minimum age
- 15
- Age-check method
- A token generated through Türkiye's e-Government Gateway
- Existing accounts deadline
- March 31, 2027
- Teen account safeguards
- Private by default for ages 15 to 17; no livestreaming
- Maximum fine
- Up to 3% of worldwide annual turnover, according to Daily Sabah
3 sources
What people are saying
Social media companies can use their existing technological capabilities much more effectively to ensure children's safety.
Children may hide negative online experiences from their families for fear of being punished or having their devices taken away.
Rather than framing the issue as a choice between age restrictions and platform oversight, we need to approach it through complementary responsibilities.