Turkey will ban the use of social media by children under 15. The new law, approved by parliament, comes into effect on November 1. Platforms will be required to verify the age of users and take technical measures to block access by children under the age limit. Verification will be done through a state-issued identification code.
New rules are also foreseen for minors over 15 years old. Platforms will not be allowed to offer services that are considered to be addictive. With this decision, Turkey joins countries that are tightening restrictions on social networks for children. Similar measures have been adopted or are being discussed in Australia, Indonesia and several European countries.
In September, the European Union also introduced a proposal to restrict access to social media and video platforms for children under 15. Austria, Denmark, France, Greece and Spain are working on similar laws, while the United Kingdom is also expected to take action next year.
