Turkiye tightens social media rules for children under 15

Turkiye is tightening regulations on children's access to social media, with new rules requiring platforms to prevent users under 15 from accessing their services amid growing concerns over cyberbullying, online harassment and young users' safety.



The regulation, published Saturday, introduces new obligations for social media platforms, including age verification and measures to block underage account creation.



The measures will take effect on Nov. 1, following legislation passed by parliament in April to strengthen safeguards for minors online.



Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas, who played a key role in introducing the restrictions, has repeatedly warned that social media platforms treat children as commercial assets, stressing the government's responsibility to protect young people from potential online harm.