As a global movement to restrict children's social media use spreads worldwide, Turkey will also ban social media use for individuals under the age of 15 starting in November.

According to POLITICO’s European edition on the 10th local time, the Turkish government announced a bill on that day prohibiting access to social media platforms for those under 15.

Providing services with addictive effects to minors aged 15 and older is also prohibited.

This bill was passed by the Turkish parliament last April and will take effect on November 1.

Social media platforms must take technical and administrative measures, such as age verification, to comply with the legislation.

Prior to Turkey's measure, the European Union (EU) proposed legal measures in September to restrict access by children under 15 to social media and video-sharing platforms.

Countries such as Austria, Denmark, France, Greece, and Spain are pursuing their own legislation to limit children's access to social media.

Britain is also reported to introduce a bill restricting children's social media use next year, and Canada is discussing legislation to limit social media access for children under 16.

Turkey has previously faced criticism from human rights groups for policies frequently blocking personal accounts associated with media outlets and activists.

Turkey blocked access to Instagram for a week over allegations that it censored users mourning Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader killed in an Israeli attack in 2024.

Last week, a court also blocked news websites and social media accounts deemed related to LGBTQ propaganda.

The international human rights organization Freedom House assessed Turkey's internet environment as not free in 2025.

(Photo: Yonhap News)