Turkiye Parliament Approves Ban on Social Media for Under-15s
AI-generated from multiple sources. Verify before acting on this reporting.
ANKARA, April 24, 2026 — Turkiye's parliament approved legislation Thursday that prohibits social media use for individuals under the age of 15 and establishes new regulations for digital platforms, including video game software companies.
The law, passed by the Grand National Assembly, marks a significant shift in the country's approach to digital safety and youth protection. The legislation mandates that social media platforms must implement strict age verification mechanisms to prevent minors under 15 from accessing their services. Violations of the new rules could result in substantial fines for non-compliant companies.
In addition to the social media ban, the comprehensive package includes provisions targeting video game software companies. The regulations require these firms to adhere to stricter content standards and implement more robust parental control features. The government stated that the measures aim to shield children from harmful online content and excessive screen time.
The bill was introduced amid growing concerns over the impact of digital technology on young people's mental health and development. Lawmakers argued that the current regulatory framework was insufficient to address the challenges posed by rapidly evolving online platforms.
However, the legislation has sparked debate among tech industry representatives and civil society groups. Some critics have raised concerns about the practicality of enforcing age restrictions and the potential for unintended consequences. Questions remain regarding how the government plans to verify users' ages without compromising privacy or creating barriers for legitimate users.
The law also introduces new reporting requirements for digital platforms operating within Turkiye. Companies will be required to submit regular reports on their compliance efforts and the measures they have taken to protect minors. The government has indicated that it will establish a dedicated regulatory body to oversee the implementation of the new rules.
Opposition parties have called for a more nuanced approach, suggesting that education and parental involvement should be prioritized over blanket bans. They argue that the legislation may not effectively address the root causes of online risks facing children.
As the law moves into the implementation phase, details on enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance are expected to be clarified in the coming weeks. The government has not yet specified a timeline for when the new regulations will take full effect.
The approval of the legislation comes as Turkiye seeks to position itself as a leader in digital governance within the region. The move has drawn attention from international observers and other nations grappling with similar challenges in regulating online content for minors.
Further details on the specific requirements for age verification and the scope of the regulations for video game companies are expected to be released by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure in the near future.