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

Turkiye has officially imposed a ban on social media usage for individuals under the age of 15, set to take effect on November 1. This decision follows the passage of a law by parliament in April and adds to the list of countries taking steps to safeguard children and teenagers from the potential harms of online platforms.

The official state journal published the ruling, detailing that social media companies must implement necessary technical and administrative measures, such as age verification, to protect young users. The law specifically prohibits services that may generate addictive behaviors in children.

Several nations, including Australia, have already implemented restrictions on social media access for minors, while other countries like Britain and France are pursuing similar measures. The primary goals of these initiatives are to shield children from digital risks such as screen addiction, sleep deprivation, bullying, and eating disorders.

However, rights groups have raised concerns about potential infringements on freedom of expression in Turkey, particularly targeting LGBTQ+ communities, the media, and the political opposition. In recent weeks, numerous social media accounts have been blocked, raising questions about the balance between protecting young users and safeguarding individual rights.