Turkey to Ban Social Media for Under-15s

Turkey’s parliament has voted to prevent children under 15 from accessing popular digital platforms. This new law mandates that children under 15 be barred from creating social media accounts and that platforms implement age-verification systems to ensure compliance.

The legislation, which is set to be signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, follows a global trend of tightening regulations around social media usage for minors.

Countries around the world are debating the best way to protect young people from online harm. Image credit: Getty Images

Australia has already made history as the first nation to introduce such a restriction, setting a precedent by banning children under 16 from using social media. Other countries, including Greece, France, and various EU partners, are also considering similar measures to curb the impact of online content on young users.

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The Turkish law is set to come into effect six months after it is officially published. It will require digital platforms to intervene within one hour if harmful content is reported, marking a more immediate response to online issues. This duty to act swiftly underscores the government’s growing concern over the safety of minors in the increasingly digital world.

While this policy marks a significant shift in digital governance, it is part of a broader European movement aimed at safeguarding children from the risks associated with online exposure.

France, in particular, has introduced similar legislation, igniting debates across the EU regarding how best to protect young social media users.

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  • Tope Oke

    Temitope is a storyteller driven by a passion for the intricate world of geopolitics, the raw beauty of wildlife, and the dynamic spirit of sports. As both a writer and editor, he excels at crafting insightful and impactful narratives that not only inform but also inspire and advocate for positive change. Through his work, he aims to shed light on complex issues, celebrate diverse perspectives, and encourage readers to engage with the world around them in a more meaningful way.

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