Turkey bans social media for under-15s from April 23, 2026

Turkey has banned social media for children under 15. This is similar to rules in Australia and Greece, aiming to protect young users online.
By Newsroom | Law, Turkey |

Ankara, Turkey – April 23, 2026 – The Turkish parliament has approved a new law that bars individuals under the age of 15 from creating social media accounts. The legislation mandates that digital platforms implement age-verification systems and introduce parental controls. This move places Turkey alongside a growing list of nations enacting measures to shield young people from perceived online harms.

The core of the legislation centers on establishing a minimum age of 15 for social media engagement, requiring platforms to verify user ages and offer tools for parental oversight.

News of the bill's passage surfaced approximately nine hours ago, following parliamentary debates that commenced earlier this month. The push for such restrictions is framed by the government as a necessary step to mitigate risks associated with internet use, including exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, online scams, and addiction.

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The Turkish government, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, asserts that the proposal is designed to safeguard children's safety and privacy online. Scientific studies, existing legal frameworks such as the Turkish Penal Code and Civil Code, and practices observed in European countries reportedly underpin the bill's provisions.

However, the legislation has not been met with universal approval. The main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), has voiced criticism, arguing that protective measures should focus on "rights-based policies" rather than outright bans.

Further complicating the discourse, concerns have been raised about the potential for increased government surveillance. Experts point out that measures requiring the linking of social media profiles to identification could erode anonymity and restrict free expression. In previous instances, such connections have reportedly led to users who follow opposition politicians or independent media being flagged as suspects.

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The parliamentary decision follows similar actions and proposals globally. Australia recently became the first nation to prohibit individuals under 16 from using social media platforms. Greece has also announced plans for a similar ban for under-15s, while the European Union has indicated that an expert group will begin formulating recommendations for bloc-wide action. France has been actively pursuing legislation to ban social media for those under 15, with a similar bill making its way through its parliament. Indonesia also began implementing a regulation last month that bans children younger than 16 from accessing digital platforms deemed potentially harmful.

The Turkish Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, had previously stated that the government was nearing the implementation of these measures, citing escalating concerns about the impact of constant digital stimulation on children.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Turkey ban social media for under-15s starting April 23, 2026?
The Turkish parliament passed a new law to protect children under 15 from online dangers like cyberbullying and harmful content. Platforms must now check ages and offer parental controls.
Q: Who is affected by Turkey's new social media ban?
Children under 15 in Turkey cannot create social media accounts. Parents will also have new tools to monitor their children's online activity.
Q: What are the main reasons for this ban in Turkey?
The government says the ban is to prevent addiction, protect children from pornography and scams, and reduce cyberbullying. They believe it's needed for online safety.
Q: What are the criticisms of Turkey's new social media law?
Some critics worry the law might lead to more government surveillance and limit free speech. The main opposition party believes in 'rights-based policies' instead of bans.
Q: Are other countries doing the same thing as Turkey?
Yes, Australia recently banned social media for under-16s. Greece plans a similar ban for under-15s, and the EU is looking into it. Indonesia also banned digital platforms for under-16s.