Ankara 24 April 2026 (The Capital Post) – Turkey has passed new legislation prohibiting children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms, as part of a broader effort to strengthen protections for minors in the digital space.
The law, approved by parliament, introduces strict measures requiring social media companies to prevent underage users from creating accounts through effective age verification systems. It also places additional responsibilities on digital platforms, including online gaming companies, to comply with the updated regulations.
Authorities said the move is aimed at safeguarding children from harmful online content, cyber risks and excessive exposure to digital platforms. The legislation also requires companies to introduce stronger parental control tools and respond more quickly to content deemed dangerous or inappropriate for young users.
Under the new framework, platforms must ensure compliance or face penalties such as fines, advertising restrictions or bandwidth limitations. The rules are expected to take effect after a transition period, giving companies time to adjust their systems.
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The measure places Turkey among a growing number of countries introducing tighter controls on children’s access to social media, reflecting rising global concern over the impact of digital platforms on youth safety and well-being.
While officials have defended the law as necessary to protect younger users, critics have raised concerns over potential overreach and its implications for digital freedom and enforcement challenges.-The Capital Post