Lawmakers in Turkiye have begun debating a draft law that would restrict access to major social media platforms for children under the age of 15, reflecting a broader global push to regulate digital exposure among minors.

The proposed legislation would require platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram to prevent users below the age threshold from opening accounts. Companies would also be mandated to implement age-verification systems and provide parental control tools designed to regulate children’s online activity.

The bill forms part of a wider legislative package currently under consideration in parliament, though officials have not indicated how long deliberations are expected to continue. If adopted, the law would place new compliance obligations on both social media platforms and online gaming companies operating in the country.

The government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has framed the proposal as a measure to address risks associated with children’s online engagement, including exposure to harmful content and threats to privacy. Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas, the minister for family and social services, has said the initiative prioritizes safeguarding minors from digital risks.

Under the draft, platforms would be required to respond swiftly to content deemed harmful and ensure that systems are in place to limit underage access. Online gaming companies would also need to appoint local representatives in Turkiye to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements. Enforcement mechanisms could include fines and reductions in internet bandwidth imposed by the national communications authority on companies that fail to comply.

The proposal has drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers, particularly the Republican People’s Party, who argue that restrictions alone are insufficient and advocate for policies grounded in children’s rights and digital education. Critics have also pointed to the broader context of internet governance in Turkiye, where authorities have previously imposed restrictions on online communication during periods of political tension.

In 2025, access to online platforms was curtailed during protests linked to the detention of Ekrem Imamoglu, highlighting concerns among rights groups about the potential overlap between child protection measures and broader controls on digital expression.

Turkiye’s proposal aligns with a growing international trend toward stricter regulation of minors’ access to social media. In Australia, restrictions introduced in December led to the removal of millions of accounts identified as belonging to users under 16. Similarly, Indonesia has begun enforcing rules banning children under 16 from accessing certain digital platforms associated with risks such as cyberbullying, online fraud, and harmful content.

European countries including Spain, France and the United Kingdom are also considering or implementing measures aimed at limiting children’s exposure to unregulated online environments, reflecting increasing scrutiny of the impact of social media on young users.

The Turkish legislation, if passed, would place the country among a growing group of governments seeking to impose age-based access controls on digital platforms, while also raising questions about enforcement, technological feasibility, and the balance between child protection and digital freedoms

The rapid rise of short-form video platforms such as Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts is coinciding with measurable shifts in reading patterns, particularly among younger audiences.

Data from the Pew Research Center indicates that screen-based media consumption has increased significantly over the past decade, with a growing share of time allocated to short, algorithm-driven content.

While the data does not attribute causality, researchers note a corresponding decline in time spent on long-form reading, including books and extended articles.Publishing industry reports suggest that this shift is affecting both consumption habits and market strategies.

According to the Association of American Publishers, overall book revenues have remained relatively stable in recent years, but the formats and categories showing growth increasingly align with digital discovery patterns.

Publishers report that titles gaining visibility through social media trends, including short-form video recommendations, often see short-term spikes in sales, indicating that digital platforms are reshaping how readers encounter written content.

Researchers examining digital behavior describe short-form video as part of a broader “attention economy,” where platforms compete for user engagement through rapid, visually driven content.

Studies from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development highlight that average attention spans for digital tasks have decreased as users adapt to faster information cycles.

While these findings do not directly measure reading comprehension, they suggest that sustained engagement with long-form material may be affected by changing consumption patterns.Educational assessments provide additional context.

Data from the Programme for International Student Assessment indicates that reading proficiency among adolescents in several countries has shown stagnation or decline in recent cycles.

Analysts caution that multiple factors contribute to this trend, including socio-economic variables and education policy, but note that increased screen time is frequently examined as a contributing variable in academic research.

Digital platforms, however, have also created new pathways into reading. Book-related communities on short-form video platforms have emerged as influential drivers of engagement.

Industry observers point to the rise of user-generated recommendations, often referred to as “BookTok” on TikTok, where short videos highlighting specific titles can generate substantial interest.

Publishers and retailers have responded by adjusting marketing strategies to align with these trends, integrating social media campaigns into traditional promotional cycles.

The intersection of reading and short-form video has led to structural changes within the publishing sector. Major publishing houses and independent authors alike are increasingly leveraging social media analytics to identify emerging reader preferences.

According to industry data compiled by the Association of American Publishers, titles that achieve viral visibility often experience rapid sales acceleration, particularly in young adult and fiction categories.

Retailers have also adapted. Online marketplaces and physical bookstores have introduced curated sections featuring titles trending on social media platforms. This reflects a shift in discovery mechanisms, where algorithmic recommendation systems operate alongside traditional literary criticism and editorial curation.

At the same time, digital reading formats have expanded. E-books and audiobooks, distributed through platforms such as Kindle, have gained traction among users who consume content on mobile devices. Industry analysts note that while these formats differ from traditional print reading, they still represent engagement with long-form narratives.

The growth of audiobooks, in particular, is associated with multitasking behavior, allowing users to integrate reading into daily routines.

Despite these adaptations, concerns remain regarding the depth of engagement. Academic studies examining reading behavior suggest that comprehension and retention may differ between long-form reading and fragmented digital consumption.

Researchers emphasize that sustained reading requires cognitive processes that are not typically activated during short-form video consumption, although further longitudinal studies are needed to establish definitive conclusions.

Policymakers and educators are increasingly examining how to balance digital media use with reading development. Government education departments in multiple countries have introduced initiatives aimed at promoting literacy, often incorporating digital tools rather than excluding them.

Reports from the OECD indicate that integrating technology into reading instruction can yield positive outcomes when structured effectively, though unregulated screen time remains a concern.

Schools and libraries are also adapting their approaches. Digital lending platforms and online reading programs have been expanded to meet users in the environments where they are most active. At the same time, literacy campaigns continue to emphasize the importance of sustained reading for academic and cognitive development.

In India, where smartphone penetration has grown rapidly, similar patterns are emerging. While comprehensive national data on the relationship between short-form video and reading habits remains limited, educators and publishers report anecdotal evidence of shifting preferences among students.

Government initiatives promoting digital education have focused on accessibility, but experts note the need for parallel efforts to encourage reading as a sustained practice.The evolving relationship between reading and short-form video reflects broader changes in media consumption.

While digital platforms have introduced new challenges to traditional reading habits, they have also created alternative pathways for engagement.

The extent to which these trends will reshape long-term literacy outcomes remains a subject of ongoing research, with implications for education systems, publishing markets, and digital policy frameworks.

Despite initial skepticism, talks over TikTok’s algorithm licensing could pave the way for a new model of tech cooperation, balancing innovation, security, and user freedom across borders.

As the U.S. government and ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, inch closer toward a groundbreaking agreement over the video platform’s American operations, the world watches closely.

The discussions, centered around a proposed licensing arrangement for TikTok’s powerful recommendation algorithm, mark a potentially historic moment in the evolving landscape of digital policy, national security, and global innovation.

Representative John Moolenaar, the chair of the House Select Committee on China, voiced cautious concern over the deal’s finer details, particularly the possibility of China retaining any leverage over the algorithm.

However, industry experts suggest that if executed transparently and collaboratively, the agreement could become a blueprint for how nations navigate the delicate intersection of technology ownership, data privacy, and international trust.

“Anytime you have leverage over an algorithm, you need to ensure transparency and accountability,” Moolenaar remarked during a recent policy forum. “But this also presents an opportunity for the U.S. to establish global digital norms.”

A Balancing Act Between Security and Innovation

The proposed deal would see TikTok’s U.S. assets sold to a consortium of American and global investors, with ByteDance retaining less than a 20% stake, aligning with national security requirements set out in a 2024 law.

According to White House officials, the agreement also includes a provision allowing TikTok’s new U.S. entity to license the algorithm — under strict monitoring by American security partners.

President Donald Trump previously signed an executive order in late September approving this arrangement, emphasizing that it “meets national security requirements” and allows TikTok to continue operations in the United States — a platform that serves over 170 million Americans.

The move was widely viewed as a compromise between outright restriction and productive reform, giving the social media giant a chance to continue thriving under closer supervision.

The decision also reflects growing recognition in Washington that digital ecosystems are too globally interconnected for simplistic solutions.

While national security remains a top priority, U.S. officials are also keen to avoid disrupting the livelihoods of millions of content creators, small businesses, and influencers who depend on TikTok for income and community engagement.

The Power of an Algorithm — and What Comes Next

At the heart of the conversation lies TikTok’s algorithm — a sophisticated system that curates personalized content for each user. Technology analysts note that retraining or replicating such an algorithm could take years and cost billions of dollars.

Moolenaar acknowledged this complexity, saying, “It’s still very much a work in progress,” while hinting at the need for a “new algorithm” free from any foreign influence.

Experts, however, believe that a co-managed algorithmic framework could strike the right balance, ensuring operational independence while maintaining TikTok’s signature user experience.

The proposed deal outlines that the new U.S. entity’s board will comprise seven members — six Americans and one appointed by ByteDance, ensuring governance remains firmly under U.S. control.

Moreover, the algorithm’s operations will be monitored by designated security partners, adding an extra layer of transparency to ease public and governmental concerns.

A Step Toward Global Digital Diplomacy

If successful, the deal could mark a turning point for international tech diplomacy. It offers a model for how global companies and governments can collaborate without compromising sovereignty or innovation.

“This is more than a business transaction — it’s an experiment in cross-border cooperation,” said a Washington-based tech policy analyst. “It could redefine how we manage digital ecosystems in an era of data-driven governance.”

Observers also note that this resolution may open pathways for similar negotiations between Western regulators and other Chinese tech giants, including firms in AI, fintech, and digital entertainment.

Positive Market and User Impact

The progress in talks has already sparked optimism among investors and users alike. Industry experts predict that a stable resolution could boost TikTok’s market valuation, encourage advertiser confidence, and restore faith among creators who feared losing their platform.

Meanwhile, digital rights advocates view the agreement as a potential middle ground between protectionism and openness, where user data remains safe while innovation continues to flourish.

With the January 2026 deadline approaching, all eyes are on TikTok’s leadership, U.S. regulators, and ByteDance executives as they finalize the details of this historic agreement.

Despite differing viewpoints, one sentiment unites most observers — a shared belief in finding a constructive path forward.

As global digital interdependence deepens, TikTok’s journey represents more than a corporate restructuring; it symbolizes a new era of responsible innovation, collaborative governance, and technological diplomacy.

TikTok, known for its short-form videos and wide user base, has become the second most popular social media platform in Saudi Arabia, boasting over 26 million active users as of 2023. However, recent allegations of algorithm manipulation and biased treatment have sparked outrage among Saudi users.

The lack of a satisfactory response from TikTok has further intensified the boycott.

According to campaign organizers, the app’s algorithms have been accused of suppressing content that portrays Saudi Arabia in a positive light, while allowing negative or critical content to thrive. This alleged bias has led to the banning of numerous accounts that have expressed support or admiration for the Kingdom.

The boycott gained momentum when TikTok published a statement in response to the allegations, failing to provide any concrete promises of corrective actions. This response, or lack thereof, further fueled discontent among Saudi users, triggering a wave of calls to stop using the app.

Prominent social media influencers and celebrities have joined the campaign, utilizing their large followings to amplify the message and encourage others to participate. The hashtags have trended across various platforms, with users sharing their grievances and urging TikTok to address the concerns raised by the campaign.

Critics argue that TikTok’s alleged manipulation of its algorithms and biased treatment not only infringes upon freedom of expression but also hampers the app’s credibility and fairness as a platform for diverse voices.

TikTok’s popularity in Saudi Arabia has provided a platform for creative expression and entertainment, making it a significant avenue for social interaction and content creation. However, the boycott campaign highlights the growing demand for transparency, accountability, and fair treatment by social media giants.

As the campaign gains traction, TikTok faces increasing pressure to address the allegations and engage with its Saudi user base. The boycott serves as a reminder to social media platforms that users expect their voices to be heard and their concerns to be taken seriously.

The impact of the boycott on TikTok’s user base and its reputation remains to be seen. However, it underscores the power of collective action and the growing influence of social media users in holding platforms accountable for their practices.

TikTok has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the boycott campaign or the allegations of algorithm manipulation and bias. Users, meanwhile, continue to voice their concerns and advocate for a fair and transparent social media environment.

Muslim-majority Malaysia on Thursday warned of action against social media firms TikTok and Meta, saying their platforms had been accused of restricting content supporting Palestinians.

Meta responded on Thursday, saying there was “no truth” to the accusation and it was not deliberately suppressing voices on its Facebook platform.

A TikTok spokesperson, in an email to Reuters on Friday, also rejected Malaysia’s accusation that it was blocking pro-Palestinian content.

“The claim is unfounded. Our community guidelines apply equally to all content on TikTok, and we’re committed to consistently enforcing our policies to protect our community,” the spokesperson said.

Both Meta and TikTok designate Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist movement that governs Gaza, a “dangerous organisation” and ban content praising it.

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Hamas members attacked communities in southern Israel on Oct. 7. Israel says some 1,400 people including children were killed, and more than 200 people, some of them infants, were taken hostage in the assault.

The Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry said on Thursday that 7,028 Palestinians had been killed in Israel’s retaliatory air strikes, including 2,913 children.

Reuters could not independently verify the tolls.

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Since the violence erupted, both social media firms have taken steps to improve moderation, and remove or label graphic visuals.

Meta said in mid-October that it had taken down or labelled nearly 800,000 pieces of content in Hebrew and Arabic in the days after the Oct. 7 attack.

Similarly, TikTok said this week it had removed more than 775,000 videos and 14,000 livestreams since the attack.

The U.S. has yet to present evidence that TikTok threatens its national security and was using the excuse of data security to abuse its power to suppress foreign companies, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told reporters at a daily briefing.

“The U.S. should stop spreading disinformation about data security, stop suppressing the relevant company, and provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory environment for foreign businesses to invest and operate in the U.S.,” Wang said.

TikTok was dismissive Wednesday of a report in The Wall Street Journal that said the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S., part of the Treasury Department, was threatening a U.S. ban on the app unless its owners, Beijing-based ByteDance Ltd., divested.

“If protecting national security is the objective, divestment doesn’t solve the problem: A change in ownership would not impose any new restrictions on data flows or access,” TikTok spokesperson Maureen Shanahan said.

Shanahan said TikTok was already answering concerns through “transparent, U.S.-based protection of U.S. user data and systems, with robust third-party monitoring, vetting, and verification.”

The Journal report cited anonymous “people familiar with the matter.” The Treasury Department and the White House’s National Security Council declined to comment.

In late February, the White House gave all federal agencies 30 days to wipe TikTok off all government devices. Some agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security and the State Department already have restrictions in place. The White House already does not allow TikTok on its devices.

Congress passed the “No TikTok on Government Devices Act” in December as part of a sweeping government funding package. The legislation does allow for TikTok use in certain cases, including for national security, law enforcement and research purposes.

Meanwhile, lawmakers in both the House and Senate have been moving forward with legislation that would give the Biden administration more power to clamp down on TikTok.

TikTok remains extremely popular and is used by two-thirds of teens in the U.S. But there is increasing concern that Beijing could obtain control of American user data that the app has obtained and push pro-Beijing narratives and propaganda on the app.

China has long been concerned about the influence of overseas social media and communications apps, and bans most of the best-known ones, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube — and TikTok.