Identity Verification and 15-Year Age Limit on Social Media: Divided Opinions in Sakarya

What Does the New Regulation Cover?
According to the draft regulation expected to be brought before the Turkish Grand National Assembly, various access restrictions will be introduced for users under the age of 18 through biometric methods and age verification systems.
Additionally, it will become mandatory to confirm that all users are real persons through official systems.
Supporters: "Children Must Be Protected" Citizens in Sakarya who support the regulation argue that the restrictions will serve as a protective shield in the digital world.
They state that the uncontrolled consumption and production of content by young children will be prevented, and identity verification will increase the sense of responsibility on digital platforms.
A segment of the population, viewing the regulation positively for the preservation of national and moral values, suggests that this step will guide young people toward cultural development by distancing them from the virtual world.
Concerns: Data Security and Freedom of Expression On the other hand, citizens and university students who approach the regulation with caution harbor serious concerns regarding the protection of personal data.
Young people point out that defining identity information in digital systems could pose a data security risk and argue that this situation could create pressure on freedom of expression.
Furthermore, the possibility of technically bypassing the restrictions and the 15-year age limit being considered too high are among other points of criticism raised by those skeptical of the new measures.