ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Turkey’s parliament on Wednesday passed a bill restricting minors’ access to social media platforms, following public outrage over two recent school shootings involving minors.
The legislation prohibits platforms from offering services to children under the age of 15 and requires companies to implement safeguards, including age verification systems.
“The platforms will be prohibited from offering services to children under the age of 15 and will be obligated to take necessary measures, including age verification, to prevent such services. Social network providers will also take necessary measures to provide separate services specifically for children over 15. These measures will be published on the social network provider's website,” the legislature said in a statement following the vote.
Lawmakers said the measures are intended to strengthen family structures and protect children from risks associated with digital platforms.
Under the new law, social media companies must also provide accessible parental control tools, including settings for account management, payments, and screen time.