Turkey Plans Mandatory Social Media User Identification
⚖️ DIGITAL REGULATION 🔞 AGE VERIFICATION
Turkey Plans Mandatory Social Media User Identification
📅 February 23, 2026
Turkish authorities are preparing to introduce mandatory user identification on social media. The Data Protection Authority has already begun reviewing how major platforms handle information about minors.
🔍 data protection review The review will examine what data is collected about children, how it is used, and what protective measures are in place.
📦 ‘family package’ bill – key proposals
At the same time, the ruling Justice and Development Party is preparing a “family package” bill, which may include:
- 📱 mandatory identity verification via phone number or the e-Devlet government services system;
- 🚫 ban on accounts for children under 15;
- 🔞 additional restrictions for users under 18.
⚡ expedited content removal The bill would also allow authorities to demand the rapid removal of “illegal” content without a court order. Platforms that refuse could face slower internet access.
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek believes linking accounts to real identities will reduce online bullying and defamation.
⚠️ anonymity at risk However, human rights advocates warn that mandatory identification could drastically reduce anonymity and limit the space for open online discussions.
📋 regulatory timeline : Data Protection Authority review underway · draft bill expected mid‑2026 · potential e‑Devlet integration.
🧾 at a glance
- mandatory ID via e-Devlet / phone
- no accounts under 15
- removal without court order
- risk: less anonymity – advocates warn
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek believes linking accounts to real identities will reduce online bullying and defamation. However, human rights advocates warn that mandatory identification could drastically reduce anonymity and limit the space for open online discussions.
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