The decision was published in the official state journal on Saturday, October 10, following the passage of a law by parliament in April. Under the legislation, social media providers must introduce safeguards to protect young users, including age-verification measures.The law requires platforms to “take the necessary technical and administrative measures, including age verification, to implement” protections for children. It also states that “no service likely to produce an addictive effect in children may be offered”.

Turkey’s move comes amid growing international efforts to limit children’s exposure to potentially harmful online content and platform features.Australia has introduced restrictions on social media use by children, while Britain and France are among the countries pushing for similar measures. Governments backing such restrictions have cited concerns over screen addiction, sleep deprivation, online bullying and eating disorders among young people.

The new restrictions come amid concerns raised by rights groups over freedom of expression in Turkey, particularly regarding LGBTQ communities, the media and the political opposition.