Turkish parliament passes social media restrictions for minors under 15
Lawmakers have adopted a bill requiring digital platforms to block account creation for users under 15 and implement rapid response protocols for harmful content.
Turkish lawmakers have passed legislation mandating that social media platforms implement age-verification systems and parental controls for users under the age of 15. The measure, which was adopted by the Grand National Assembly, requires companies to block account creation for minors and respond rapidly to content deemed harmful. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan now has 15 days to approve the measure for it to become law.
The bill was introduced a week following a school shooting in Kahramanmaras, where a 14-year-old perpetrator killed nine students and a teacher. Police are currently investigating the shooter's online activity to uncover motivations, a context that has accelerated the legislative push. In a televised address regarding the tragedy, President Erdogan described social media platforms as "cesspools" corrupting children's minds, citing the urgent need to mitigate online risks to safety and privacy.
Under the new regulations, digital platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram would be required to block children under 15 from opening accounts and introduce parental controls to manage access. Online gaming companies will also be specifically required to appoint a representative in Turkey to ensure adherence to the regulations. Non-compliance with these requirements could result in internet bandwidth reductions and fines imposed by Turkey's communications watchdog.
The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) has criticised the proposal, arguing that children should be protected through rights-based policies rather than bans. This debate occurs against a backdrop of global regulatory shifts, with Australia introducing landmark restrictions last year that affected 4.7 million accounts, and Indonesia recently implementing a ban on platforms exposing children to pornography and cyberbullying. Other nations, including Spain, France, and the United Kingdom, are also considering similar measures amid growing concerns over unregulated content.
The Turkish government has faced previous criticism from the opposition for restricting online platforms used to express dissent, notably during last year's protests supporting Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. While the current bill focuses on child safety, the history of state intervention in digital spaces remains a point of contention for critics who fear overreach. The specific timeline for the bill's final enactment depends entirely on President Erdogan's decision within the next 15 days; it is not yet law.
