Turkey sets social media ban for children under 15
The restrictions take effect on 1 November and require platforms to verify users’ ages through a government-issued token.
Turkey published a law on 10 October 2026 barring under-15s from accessing social media, with implementation scheduled for 1 November. The Turkish Parliament approved the legislation in April.
Under the law, platforms must introduce technical and administrative safeguards to enforce the restrictions, including checks on users’ ages. Article 7 specifies a verification system using a token issued by the government. Separate provisions prohibit platforms from providing services with potentially addictive effects to minors older than 15.
The measure follows earlier Turkish restrictions on online services, including blocks on individual accounts and whole platforms. Instagram was blocked for a week in 2024 amid allegations that it censored users mourning Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
Age limits are also being pursued elsewhere in Europe. In September, the EU presented a legislative proposal to prevent children younger than 15 from using social media and video-sharing platforms, following months of pressure from EU leaders.
Austria, Denmark, France, Greece and Spain are pursuing national legislation limiting children’s social media access. The United Kingdom is expected to introduce a ban in 2027.
