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 move aims to protect communities, counter radicalization, and deepen cooperation with global partners working to prevent violence.

Public Safety officials in Toronto announced that four extremist and insurgent networks operating across borders have been formally added to the national security list.

The decision reflects Canada’s evolving approach to identifying threats that exploit digital spaces and target vulnerable populations, especially young people.

Authorities emphasized that these groups engage in activities that undermine international stability and promote violence.

By designating them, Canada is increasing its ability to restrict their financial operations, block their recruitment capabilities, and support global security alliances.

Among the newly listed organizations are extremist networks known for spreading harmful ideologies online.

These groups have leveraged technology to attempt to influence individuals, making Canada’s action a timely step toward safeguarding digital environments.

Officials highlighted that the designations also include a branch connected to a well-known international insurgent organization operating in parts of Africa.

Canada Strengthens Global Security Measures with New Designations

Canada has reinforced its commitment to international peace and collective safety by expanding its list of designated foreign terrorist entities.
The move aims to protect communities, counter radicalization, and deepen cooperation with global partners working to prevent violence.

Public Safety officials in Toronto announced that four extremist and insurgent networks operating across borders have been formally added to the national security list.
The decision reflects Canada’s evolving approach to identifying threats that exploit digital spaces and target vulnerable populations, especially young people.

Authorities emphasized that these groups engage in activities that undermine international stability and promote violence.
By designating them, Canada is increasing its ability to restrict their financial operations, block their recruitment capabilities, and support global security alliances.

Among the newly listed organizations are extremist networks known for spreading harmful ideologies online.
These groups have leveraged technology to attempt to influence individuals, making Canada’s action a timely step toward safeguarding digital environments.

Officials highlighted that the designations also include a branch connected to a well-known international insurgent organization operating in parts of Africa.
This addition underscores Canada’s recognition of security challenges that cross continents and require coordinated international responses.

The announcement drew support from analysts who praised Canada for adopting a proactive security framework.
They noted that such actions help align Canada with global partners seeking to counter violent extremism through intelligence sharing and policy coordination.

Canada’s strengthened measures also contribute to broader counterterrorism efforts within the G7 and United Nations frameworks.
By tightening legal and financial restrictions, the government is helping disrupt the channels that allow extremist groups to operate internationally.

Public Safety officials stressed that the designations are not only punitive but preventative.
They aim to deter recruitment, disrupt communication hubs, and close gaps that extremist networks exploit to influence at-risk communities.

Community leaders across Canada welcomed the announcement as a demonstration of the country’s dedication to keeping citizens safe.
They emphasized the importance of protecting youth from online radicalization and maintaining digital platforms free from extremist influence.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting civil society initiatives that counter harmful ideologies through education and engagement.
These efforts include programs that encourage digital literacy, promote community cooperation, and strengthen resilience against misinformation.

Canada’s security agencies also emphasized the importance of partnerships with global organizations that monitor extremist activity.
Such collaborations allow for rapid information exchange and coordinated action when emerging threats are identified.

By updating its list of designated terrorist entities, Canada continues to modernize its laws in response to shifts in global extremism.
Officials noted that security strategies must evolve as extremist groups adopt new tactics, technologies, and methods of communication.

Legal experts highlighted that the designations allow Canada to pursue financial investigations that can disrupt funding streams.
Cutting off resources is widely regarded as one of the most effective ways to weaken organizations involved in violent activities.

The announcement reinforces Canada’s long-standing commitment to the rule of law and the protection of human rights.
Authorities emphasized that all actions are taken within a framework that respects due process and democratic values.

As global threats evolve, Canada aims to remain a leading voice in promoting peace, stability, and international cooperation.
The latest measures reflect the nation’s dedication to ensuring safer communities at home and contributing to global security abroad.

With these designations, Canada strengthens its role as a responsible international partner working to reduce violence and prevent extremist influence.

The move underscores a continued commitment to safeguarding the well-being of citizens and supporting peacebuilding efforts worldwide.

This addition underscores Canada’s recognition of security challenges that cross continents and require coordinated international responses.

The announcement drew support from analysts who praised Canada for adopting a proactive security framework.

They noted that such actions help align Canada with global partners seeking to counter violent extremism through intelligence sharing and policy coordination.

Canada’s strengthened measures also contribute to broader counterterrorism efforts within the G7 and United Nations frameworks.

By tightening legal and financial restrictions, the government is helping disrupt the channels that allow extremist groups to operate internationally.

Public Safety officials stressed that the designations are not only punitive but preventative.

They aim to deter recruitment, disrupt communication hubs, and close gaps that extremist networks exploit to influence at-risk communities.

Community leaders across Canada welcomed the announcement as a demonstration of the country’s dedication to keeping citizens safe.

They emphasized the importance of protecting youth from online radicalization and maintaining digital platforms free from extremist influence.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting civil society initiatives that counter harmful ideologies through education and engagement.

These efforts include programs that encourage digital literacy, promote community cooperation, and strengthen resilience against misinformation.

Canada’s security agencies also emphasized the importance of partnerships with global organizations that monitor extremist activity.
Such collaborations allow for rapid information exchange and coordinated action when emerging threats are identified.

By updating its list of designated terrorist entities, Canada continues to modernize its laws in response to shifts in global extremism.

Officials noted that security strategies must evolve as extremist groups adopt new tactics, technologies, and methods of communication.

Legal experts highlighted that the designations allow Canada to pursue financial investigations that can disrupt funding streams.

Cutting off resources is widely regarded as one of the most effective ways to weaken organizations involved in violent activities.

The announcement reinforces Canada’s long-standing commitment to the rule of law and the protection of human rights.

Authorities emphasized that all actions are taken within a framework that respects due process and democratic values.

As global threats evolve, Canada aims to remain a leading voice in promoting peace, stability, and international cooperation.

The latest measures reflect the nation’s dedication to ensuring safer communities at home and contributing to global security abroad.

With these designations, Canada strengthens its role as a responsible international partner working to reduce violence and prevent extremist influence.

The move underscores a continued commitment to safeguarding the well-being of citizens and supporting peacebuilding efforts worldwide.