Turkey imposes social media age restriction

Turkey has introduced a ban preventing individuals under the age of 15 from using social media platforms, aiming to shield children from potential negative effects. The law, passed by the parliament in April, will officially take effect on November 1st.

Law includes technical requirements

The new legislation mandates that social media companies implement technical and administrative measures, such as age verification systems, to ensure compliance. The text of the law states that services likely to cause addiction among children cannot be offered.

Restrictions amid broader free speech concerns

This law is being introduced during a time when Turkey has seen increased restrictions on freedom of expression, particularly affecting the LGBT community, media outlets, and political discourse. In recent weeks, many social media accounts have been blocked.

Global trend of social media bans for minors

Around the world, more countries are considering or implementing bans on social media for children to address risks like screen addiction, sleep deprivation, bullying, and eating disorders. Australia was the first to ban social media for those under 16 by the end of 2025.

Mixed results and workarounds in Australia

The impact of Australia's ban has been mixed, with only minor changes in social media use among children aged 12 to 13. However, users aged 14 to 15 saw a slight decrease, while those aged 16 and older used the platforms more. Many underage users have found ways around the restrictions using older accounts or virtual private networks.

France faces legislative challenges

In France, President Emmanuel Macron has prioritized a social media ban for those under 15, but the process has been difficult. A revised proposal was submitted after a previous version was rejected by the Constitutional Council.

EU adopts a phased approach

The European Union is moving forward with the Kids Act, a plan that includes different levels of restrictions based on age. The EU is considering a ban for those under 13 and creating "mini-accounts" for users under 15.