Türkiye Weighs Social Media Age Restriction Amid Digital Safety Concerns

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has suggested that Türkiye may introduce an age limit for social media use as part of broader efforts to regulate digital platforms and combat online risks. “We are evaluating various regulations, including stricter monitoring of sharing platforms and imposing an age limit on their use,” Erdoğan stated on Feb. 3 during the inauguration of an education complex in Istanbul’s Esenyurt district. Erdoğan emphasized concerns about screen addiction, which he described as a societal plague, and stressed the importance of protecting children from the chaotic digital media environment.

Government Proposals: Banning Social Media for Users Under 16

His remarks align with Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, who recently announced plans to ban social media access for users under 16. “To use social media, our children must reach an age where they can make informed decisions based on objective criteria. We want children under 16 to stay off these platforms,” Uraloğlu said in a televised interview on CNN Türk.

Discord & Roblox Ban: Potential Reinstatement Under Compliance

Türkiye has already taken steps to regulate online platforms, including banning Discord and Roblox due to child safety concerns.

• Discord was banned in October 2023 following an Ankara court ruling on child exploitation risks.
• Roblox faced restrictions months earlier over similar concerns.

However, Uraloğlu indicated that these platforms could return if they comply with Turkish regulations. Discussions with company representatives are ongoing, though initial responses from both platforms cited conflicting international legal standards. “If a platform provides beneficial content while addressing harmful aspects, we can allow its continued use. Negotiations are ongoing, and a legal resolution could lead to reinstatement,” he said.

Türkiye’s International Study on Social Media Regulation

To refine its approach, Türkiye’s parliamentary commission on child rights plans to study global social media policies by conducting international visits to:

• Japan
• The United Kingdom
• The United States
• Norway

The delegation, working alongside various ministries, will analyze existing regulations in these countries and assess how they can be adapted for Türkiye. As discussions progress, Türkiye is poised to introduce some of its most significant digital regulations to date, balancing child protection and online freedom in an evolving internet landscape.