The Turkish government has recently issued a warning about potential scams that could arise due to new age verification requirements for social media users under 15. As these regulations come into effect on November 1, 2026, the Center for Combating Disinformation (DMM) emphasizes the need for caution among users to prevent the theft of personal and financial information.
Understanding the New Social Media Regulations
Beginning November 1, users under the age of 15 will be prohibited from accessing social media platforms. As part of these new regulations, any new user must verify their age via Türkiye’s e-Devlet, the official government online service portal. The DMM has declared that the verification process will utilize an “age verification token” that ensures a user’s compliance without the need to share personal information directly with social media sites. This move prioritizes both child safety and the protection of sensitive data.
In addition to the age verification for users under 15, social media platforms will be required to create restricted accounts for users aged 15 to 17. These accounts will be equipped with enhanced privacy settings, limitations on messaging capabilities, and a prohibition on personalized advertisements. The intent is to foster a safer digital environment for younger users while ensuring that verification processes adhere strictly to the established guidelines.
How to Protect Yourself from Scams
As the DMM highlights the potential for fraud, they advise users to be vigilant in safeguarding their personal and financial information. Scammers may attempt to exploit the situation with deceptive communications such as fake emails, SMS messages, or social media links. Messages may create a sense of urgency, claiming actions like “Your account will be closed unless you verify now,” which could lead to hasty decisions and the sharing of sensitive data.
To avoid falling into these traps, users should only complete age verification through trustworthy sources, specifically the official e-Government portal (turkiye.gov.tr) or its mobile application. Prior to initiating any verification process, always check the browser’s address bar to ensure it matches the official website and avoid any links that seem suspicious or have unusual domain extensions.
Never disclose sensitive information such as e-Government passwords, bank details, or SMS verification codes to unknown individuals or institutions. If contacted by someone requesting this information under the pretext of age verification, exercise extreme caution and do not engage.
What Existing Users Should Know
The DMM has clarified that existing social media accounts will not need to be verified until March 31, 2027, allowing users ample time to adjust to the new regulations. However, they strongly emphasize the need to ignore any misleading messages that create a false urgency. These tactics could lead users to act impulsively, increasing the risk of personal data breaches.
In summary, users in Türkiye should remain alert as the new age verification laws roll out. Taking proactive steps to ensure that verification is conducted through approved channels and recognizing potential scam warnings will help maintain personal safety in the digital landscape.