Turkey enacts ban on social media access for under-15s
Measure takes effect on 1 November 2026 with a transition period to 31 March 2027 and age checks via e‑government platform.
Turkey has put into effect a ban on access to social media for children under 15, effective 1 November 2026. The measure is part of a package of new rules aimed at protecting minors online.
A transition period runs until 31 March 2027. During that time authorities will verify the ages of users with existing accounts and will progressively close accounts belonging to people younger than 15.
Age checks, privacy safeguards and digital tokens
Turkish authorities say the age-verification process will protect users' privacy: the system will not reveal identity, only whether a person meets the required age threshold. Users who want access will confirm their age through the e-government services platform; after verification they will receive a digital token indicating age.
Children under 15 will be unable to access social networks, while users aged 15 to 18 will be allowed to use platforms subject to specific restrictions.
Under the new rules, minors will be able to exchange messages only with people on their friends list, will not be permitted to broadcast live, and will not be shown ads targeted at adults.
Photo: press material from the event
