A proposal has been introduced in Azerbaijan to raise the minimum age for accessing social media platforms to 16. The initiative aims to bolster digital safety and protect the psychological health of minors across the country.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the proposal was presented by Zahid Oruc, Chairman of the Human Rights Committee of the Milli Majlis (National Assembly), during discussions on amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses, the Law on Information, Informatization and Protection of Information, and the Law on Protection of Children from Harmful Information.
Oruc emphasized that the primary objective of the draft legislation is to shield children under 16 from the harmful effects of social networking platforms. "The goal is to protect children from physical and psychological harm, including exposure to incitement, self-harm, sexual exploitation, and cyberbullying. By delaying access to social media until the age of 16, we are prioritizing the safety of our youth and strengthening the family unit," Oruc stated.
The proposed legislation mandates that platform providers implement strict age-verification mechanisms, such as bank card, email, or mobile number authentication. For adolescents aged 16 to 18, the draft introduces a controlled mechanism allowing account creation only with the explicit consent of a legal guardian. Furthermore, the bill prohibits "manipulative design techniques"—such as infinite scrolling and automatic video playback—for this age group.
"This is a fundamental step in Azerbaijan's digital policy. We are sending a clear message to technology companies: if you wish to operate in Azerbaijan, you do not have the right to exploit the psychology of our children," Oruc added. The bill also strictly prohibits the commercial use or unauthorized transfer of personal data collected for age verification purposes. Companies failing to comply with these regulations will face administrative penalties, and providers will be required to submit annual reports to state authorities.
This legislative initiative reflects a growing global trend among governments to regulate social media usage among minors. By implementing these measures, Azerbaijan seeks to create a safer digital environment, ensuring that technological advancements do not come at the expense of the well-being of the younger generation.
