Daijiworld Media Network - Istanbul

Istanbul, Apr 24: Turkey’s parliament has passed a new law banning the use of social media for children under the age of 15, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to regulate digital platforms and protect minors.

The legislation, approved on April 23, requires social media companies to block under-15 users from creating accounts and to implement strict age-verification systems. Platforms will also be mandated to introduce parental control tools and respond more swiftly to harmful or inappropriate content.

The move is part of broader amendments to existing laws governing digital services and social protection, and also extends to online gaming companies, which will be required to comply with new regulatory standards.

Authorities say the law aims to create a safer digital environment for children by reducing exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying and online risks. For users aged 15 and above, platforms are expected to offer more controlled and age-appropriate services.

Companies that fail to comply could face penalties including fines, advertising bans or bandwidth restrictions imposed by regulators.

The bill now awaits approval from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has 15 days to sign it into law.

Turkey’s decision comes amid a growing global trend, with several countries introducing or considering similar restrictions on children’s access to social media due to rising concerns over its impact on mental health and safety.

However, the move has also drawn criticism from opposition groups and digital rights advocates, who argue that such blanket bans may be overly restrictive and raise concerns about freedom of expression and implementation challenges.