Türkiye is introducing new regulations on social media use, with a focus on protecting children online and verifying users’ ages. Understanding the new requirements, the transition period for existing accounts, and the steps adults can take to protect their accounts is essential.

New regulations concerning social media platforms in Türkiye were reported on 10 October 2026. Under the new framework, social network providers are expected not to provide services to children under the age of 15 and to introduce additional safeguards for users aged 15–17.

According to reports published by Anadolu Agency and Euronews Türkiye, the regulation is scheduled to enter into force on 1 November 2026, with a reported transition period for age verification of existing accounts extending until 31 March 2027.

1. Who Will Be Affected by the New Regulations?

The new framework introduces important changes concerning children's access to social media and the verification of users' ages.

Users under 15: Social network providers are expected not to provide services to children in this age group. If a platform verifies that an account belongs to a child under 15, the account may be closed in accordance with the applicable procedures.

Users aged 15–17: Platforms are expected to provide age-appropriate services with additional protective measures. The reported measures include:

  • Accounts being private by default.

  • Restrictions on live-streaming features.

  • A prohibition on personalised advertising.

  • Restrictions on other users viewing followers and following lists.

  • Limitations on messaging, including messaging being restricted to accounts followed by the young user.

  • Additional privacy settings and parental-control tools.

Users aged 18 and above: Adults are not subject to the special restrictions designed for children and teenagers solely because of this regulation. However, they may need to complete age verification if requested through the platform's official process.

2. How Will Age Verification Work?

The regulation refers to age-verification mechanisms, including an age-verification indicator provided through Türkiye's e-Government system, e-Devlet.

The purpose is to allow platforms to determine a user's age group while limiting the disclosure of unnecessary personal information.

Platforms may also use supplementary verification methods when necessary. If there is reasonable doubt about a user's stated age, additional verification may be requested, and temporary account restrictions may be imposed.

The exact implementation may vary between platforms. Foreign nationals, including refugees and people holding residence or international protection documents, should check the official instructions of the relevant platform to determine which verification methods are available to them.

3. When Will Existing Accounts Be Reviewed?

One of the most important aspects of the new framework is the transition period for accounts created before the regulation takes effect.

  • 10 October 2026: Publication of the regulation, as reported by Turkish media.

  • 1 November 2026: Reported date on which the regulation enters into force.

  • 31 March 2027: Reported deadline for the transition period concerning existing accounts that have not completed age verification.

This does not mean that all accounts will be closed on the same day. The outcome will depend on the user's actual age, the verification result, and the procedures implemented by the relevant platform.

Having an older social media account does not automatically exempt a user from age verification.

4. How Can Adults Protect Their Social Media Accounts?

Adults using Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and other social media platforms can take the following precautions to reduce the risk of account restrictions caused by incorrect age information or unsuccessful verification.

1. Check your date of birth.

Open your account settings and confirm that your registered date of birth is correct. If it is incorrect, use the platform's official settings or support channel to request a correction.

2. Secure access to your account.

Make sure you can access the email address and phone number linked to your account. Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication where available.

3. Monitor official notifications.

If a platform requests age verification, check the request through the official application or website. Do not submit personal information through unfamiliar links or messages from unknown individuals.

4. Complete verification through official channels.

If the platform provides an official verification process through e-Devlet or another approved method, follow the instructions provided. Foreign nationals should check whether additional or alternative procedures apply to their circumstances.

5. Challenge an incorrect age assessment.

If you are 18 or older but your account is incorrectly classified as belonging to a minor, use the platform's official appeal or review process. Submit any requested documents only through secure, official channels.

These measures cannot guarantee uninterrupted access to an account in every situation, but they can help reduce avoidable problems.

5. What Should You Do If Your Account Is Incorrectly Restricted?

First, read the platform's notification carefully and identify the reason for the restriction.

Then:

  1. Start the official appeal or account-recovery process.

  2. Provide acceptable age-verification documents if required.

  3. Keep copies of notifications, submission dates, and any reference numbers.

  4. Avoid paying individuals or unofficial services that promise guaranteed account recovery.

If you are a foreign national and are unsure whether your identity or residence documents will be accepted, contact the platform's official support service and request clarification.

6. What Should Parents Do to Protect Their Children?

Parents should ensure that their children's actual ages are respected and avoid entering false dates of birth to bypass age restrictions.

For children under 15, parents should consider age-appropriate digital activities instead of creating social media accounts in violation of the applicable rules. For teenagers aged 15–17, families should familiarise themselves with the special privacy and safety settings that apply to this age group.

Parents should also discuss online bullying, contact with strangers, sharing personal information, inappropriate content, and in-app purchases with their children in an age-appropriate way.