Türkiye (Turkey) has officially barred children under 15 from using social media. New rules published in the country’s Official Gazette on Saturday, October 10, 2026, say social network providers cannot offer their services to anyone under that age. Here is what the rules say, why they were introduced, and what they mean for platforms and parents.
What the New Rules Say
The regulations come from Türkiye’s Cyber Security Directorate. They put several duties on social media companies:
- Providers cannot offer services to children who have not reached the age of 15.
- For users aged 15 and older, platforms must offer differentiated services and take extra care. They must think about the child’s physical, mental, psychological, social, and emotional development.
- Age checks must protect personal data. The method should only confirm whether a user meets the age limit, not reveal who the user is.
- Platforms must make their verification methods, algorithm structures, and child-focused policies clear, auditable, and testable. This applies to users, parents, and the directorate.
- Platforms must create clear, easy-to-use parental control tools.
Where the Rules Come From
These regulations follow a social media law that the Turkish parliament passed in April 2026. That law set the under-15 limit. The new regulations explain how companies must follow it.
The law covers big platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X. It also asks platforms to appoint a representative in Türkiye, to prevent misleading ads, and to follow rules on how they handle children’s accounts. Gaming platforms must label their games by age group. Companies that do not comply can face fines and possible traffic restrictions.
Why Türkiye Moved Now
Lawmakers acted quickly after a school shooting in the southern city of Kahramanmaras. A 14-year-old killed nine students and a teacher. The attack led to a wave of violent content being shared online, and 162 people were arrested for sharing footage. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has spoken strongly against social media, and the government has said protecting children from harmful content is its top priority.
Interestingly, the bill itself avoided the word “ban.” It described the move as creating safe digital spaces for children under 15. Most news reports, however, call it a ban.
Not Everyone Agrees
The main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), criticized the idea. It said children should be protected through rights-based policies, not bans. Experts who support the move argue that children under 15 are still developing impulse control and a sense of identity, which makes them more open to online harm.
How Türkiye Compares With Other Countries
| Country | Age Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Under 16 | In force since December 10, 2025 |
| Türkiye | Under 15 | Law passed April 2026; regulations published October 10, 2026 |
| Denmark | Under 15 | Resolution signed in November 2025, according to reports |
After Australia led the way, countries such as Indonesia, Greece, and Austria have also moved toward limits, and Spain, France, and the United Kingdom have been considering their own measures. In Australia, social media companies removed access to about 4.7 million accounts after the ban began.
What Happens Next?
The real impact will depend on enforcement and on how platforms adjust. Companies will need to build age checks that are accurate but do not collect sensitive personal data. Parents, meanwhile, can expect new parental control tools on the platforms their children use. Reports have not yet detailed exactly when each requirement will be enforced, so watch for official updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age limit for social media in Türkiye?
Social network providers cannot offer services to children under 15.
When were the new rules published?
The Cyber Security Directorate’s regulations were published in the Official Gazette on Saturday, October 10, 2026. They follow a law passed by parliament in April 2026.
Which platforms are affected?
Major social media platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X are covered, along with other social network providers.
How will platforms check a user’s age?
They must use methods that only confirm whether a user meets the age limit, without establishing the user’s identity, and they must protect personal data.
What happens if a company breaks the rules?
Companies that do not comply can face fines and possible traffic restrictions.
Türkiye has joined a growing list of countries limiting children’s access to social media. The new regulations turn April’s law into clear duties for platforms, and the next test will be how well those duties are enforced.
