Türkiye bars social media services for children under 15

Türkiye has barred social network providers from offering services to children under 15 under regulations published in the Official Gazette on Saturday.

The rules state that providers “cannot provide services to children who have not reached the age of 15,” according to the Official Gazette.

For users aged 15 and older, providers must offer differentiated services and take necessary measures, while considering minors’ best interests and their physical, mental, psychological, social and emotional development.

Age-verification methods must prioritise personal data protection and establish only whether a user meets the age threshold, rather than confirming their identity.

The regulations also require providers to make their verification methods, algorithm structures and child-focused service policies “clear, auditable and testable” for users, parents and the Cyber Security Directorate. Providers must also create clear, user-friendly parental control tools.

The rules implement legislation on social media passed by the Turkish parliament in April.