Turkey to ban social media use for under-15s from November 1, 2026
Law published October 10, 2026; platforms must use state-issued "tokens" for age verification and curb addictive services for older minors.
Turkey will prohibit children under 15 from using social media platforms starting on November 1, 2026, the law published on October 10, 2026 states. Parliament had approved the measure in April.
Under the new rules, social networks must "take necessary technical and administrative measures, including age verification" to enforce the restriction, the text of the law says.
How the verification will work
Article 7 specifies that the age-verification system will operate using state-issued "tokens". The law further stipulates that for minors older than 15 platforms must not provide services that could lead to addiction.
The Turkish step joins a growing list of countries tightening age limits for social platforms. Australia and Indonesia have adopted or are considering stricter access rules for young users, while Austria, Denmark, France, Greece and Spain have already introduced similar measures. The United Kingdom and Canada are expected to follow.
In September the European Union presented a draft regulation that would bar children from accessing social networks and video-sharing platforms until they turn 15. Turkish authorities say the new national law aligns with the wider international shift toward tougher age controls online.
Photo: press material from the event
