Date: April 25, 2026 l Reporter: Emily John
ISTANBUL — Lawmakers in Turkey have passed a controversial new bill aimed at restricting access to social media platforms for children under the age of 15, marking a significant step in the country’s effort to address growing concerns over online safety and youth exposure to harmful content.
The legislation, approved by parliament this week, introduces strict measures requiring social media companies to implement age-verification systems, strengthen parental control features, and respond swiftly to content considered harmful to minors. The move positions Turkey among a growing number of countries tightening regulations on digital platforms to protect young users.
The bill’s passage comes shortly after a tragic school shooting in Kahramanmaras, where a 14-year-old student killed multiple individuals before taking his own life. Authorities are currently investigating the suspect’s online activities, raising questions about the influence of digital content on youth behavior.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has voiced strong support for the legislation, warning about the dangers posed by unchecked social media exposure. In a recent address, he described certain digital platforms as harmful environments that could negatively shape the minds of young people, stressing the need for stronger safeguards.
Under the proposed law, platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram would be required to block users under 15 from creating accounts. They must also introduce tools allowing parents to monitor and control their children’s online activity more effectively.
However, the legislation has sparked criticism from opposition groups, particularly the Republican People's Party, which argues that protecting children should not rely on restrictive measures alone. Critics insist that rights-based approaches, including education and digital literacy, would provide a more balanced solution.
Turkey’s latest move reflects a broader global trend. Countries such as Australia and Indonesia have already implemented similar restrictions, while others including Spain, France, and the United Kingdom are considering comparable policies to shield minors from risks such as cyberbullying, online scams, and exposure to inappropriate content.
If signed into law by President Erdogan within the constitutional timeframe, the measure is expected to significantly reshape how young users interact with digital platforms in Turkey, while also intensifying global debates over online regulation, freedom of expression, and child protection in the digital age.