Social media platforms operating in Azerbaijan will soon be required to implement strict age verification protocols, utilizing methods such as bank card verification—involving temporary fund holds—alongside cross-referencing email and mobile number data. This initiative aims to enhance digital safety and protect minors from harmful online content.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, these measures were outlined by Havva Huseynli, a sector head at the National Cybersecurity Center, during a public discussion on proposed amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses and the laws on "Information, Informatization and Protection of Information" and "Protection of Children from Harmful Information," organized by the Media Development Agency.
Huseynli emphasized that significant obligations will be placed on service providers. "The use of manipulative design features that create dependency among teenage users, such as 'infinite scroll' and auto-play videos, will be prohibited. Furthermore, platforms must provide parents with technical tools, such as active control panels, to manage the time children spend on the platform and filter the content they are exposed to," she stated.
The official also clarified that personal data collected for age verification must be used solely for that purpose and deleted immediately if compliance is not confirmed. "The use of this data for commercial or advertising purposes, or its transfer to third parties, is strictly prohibited. Providers are required to identify and remove harmful content within a maximum of 24 hours, ensuring this process is supported by digital solutions operating on a 24/7 basis," Huseynli added.
These legislative changes reflect Azerbaijan's broader strategy to align its digital regulatory framework with international standards for child safety and data privacy, ensuring a secure digital environment for the country's youth.
