Turkey’s social media ban for under-15s takes effect Nov 1

Turkey has implemented a ban on social media for individuals under the age of 15, set to take effect on November 1st. This new legislation, passed by the parliament in April, requires social media platforms to implement age verification and other protective measures for young users. The decision was formally declared on Saturday and joins a growing list of countries aiming to safeguard children and teenagers from the potential harms of online platforms.

These risks include screen addiction, poor sleep quality, bullying, and eating disorders. While several nations like Australia, Britain, and France have also introduced restrictions on social media for minors, Turkey's move has faced criticism from rights groups. These groups argue that the legislation targets LGBTQ communities, the media, and political opposition, potentially infringing on freedom of expression. Several social media accounts have already been blocked in recent weeks.