Turkey is preparing new legal limits on young people’s online access, with lawmakers outlining sweeping measures that could reshape how minors use social platforms across the country.
The proposed Turkey social media minors law would introduce age checks, content filtering, and potential bans for children, placing Turkey among a growing number of countries tightening rules around youth internet use. The recommendations come as concerns rise globally over children’s exposure to harmful content and excessive screen time.
A parliamentary commission report released this week set out the framework for the Turkey social media minors law, urging stricter controls on platforms used by those under 18. Measures include mandatory age verification, filtering systems, and the removal of harmful content without prior notice, Reuters reported.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s ruling AK Party is expected to introduce draft legislation soon. Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas previously told reporters the proposal could include a ban on social media use for minors and require companies to build content screening tools.
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The commission also recommended monitoring video games and connected toys used by children for harmful material, along with limits on late night internet access for under 18s.
Harun Mertoglu, a senior lawmaker from the ruling party and member of parliament’s human rights inquiry committee, framed the effort as a child protection measure. He said authorities must shield young people from “moral erosion” and various forms of addiction, including digital ones, in comments reported by Reuters.
Some parents support stricter oversight. One parent interviewed said children often spend hours online and are increasingly exposed to disturbing material, reflecting wider public concern about online safety.
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Social media companies have cautioned that bans targeting minors may be difficult to enforce. Weak age verification tools could allow young users to bypass restrictions or move to unregulated platforms, industry representatives have warned.
Globally, governments are moving in a similar direction. Australia recently approved a ban on social media for children under 16, while Spain, Greece, Slovenia, France, Britain, and Germany are weighing their own restrictions.
Turkey already maintains strict oversight of digital platforms and has frequently ordered content takedowns and access blocks.
The Turkey social media minors law would mark one of the country’s most comprehensive efforts yet to regulate children’s online activity. Lawmakers are expected to debate the proposal in the coming months, with implementation details likely to shape how platforms, parents, and schools respond.
