Turkish Parliament Proposes Strict Digital Safeguards to Protect Children Online

A parliamentary commission in Turkey has unveiled an ambitious set of proposals aimed at strengthening the protection of children against violence, neglect, and abuse—particularly in the digital sphere. The Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) Commission of Inquiry, established to examine risks facing children, has completed a 157-page draft report calling for sweeping new regulations on social media and digital platforms.

The report signals a shift toward far stricter oversight of online environments, arguing that existing safeguards are no longer sufficient to protect minors from harmful content, exploitation, and digital risks.

Mandatory Age Verification and AI-Based Controls

One of the report’s most striking recommendations is the mandatory introduction of age verification systems across social media networks and digital content platforms. The commission argues that platforms must be legally obliged to prevent children from accessing adult-oriented or harmful material.

According to coverage by Sabah, the draft report calls for a comprehensive framework that includes:

Mandatory age verification mechanisms
Automatic content filters tailored to child safety
Standardized parental control tools
Artificial intelligence–supported monitoring systems to detect and block harmful content

These measures, the commission argues, should no longer be optional features but legal requirements enforced through binding regulation.

Tighter Oversight of Social Media Platforms

The report places particular emphasis on the responsibility of large social media companies and digital broadcasters. It stresses that platforms must implement more effective technical barriers to stop minors from being exposed to content intended for adults, including violence, explicit material, and harmful behavioral patterns.

In addition to technical measures, the commission recommends that ethical rules be formally defined for social media influencers and content creators, especially those whose audiences include children. The aim is to curb practices that normalize risky behavior, commercial exploitation, or psychological harm.

Stronger Sanctions for Non-Compliant Platforms

Another key pillar of the report is enforcement. The commission proposes harsher sanctions for platforms that fail to prioritize child protection or neglect adequate monitoring and moderation.

Among the recommendations are:

Increased penalties for platforms that violate child protection standards
Clear accountability mechanisms for digital service providers
Mandatory child safety packages and secure default settings on smartphones used by children

The report suggests that without meaningful consequences, voluntary compliance by platforms will remain insufficient.

Education and Prevention Starting Early

Beyond the digital sphere, the commission dedicates a significant section of the report to education policy. It recommends introducing mandatory courses at all levels of education, starting from preschool, to help children learn about their rights, develop non-violent communication skills, and recognize abuse and neglect.

Lawmakers argue that prevention must begin early, equipping children with the knowledge and resilience needed to navigate both offline and online risks.

Focus on “Children Driven Into Crime”

The report also addresses the issue of so-called “children driven into crime,” emphasizing rehabilitation rather than punishment. It calls for:

An increase in the number of specialized professionals working with at-risk children
Stronger rehabilitation and social reintegration programs
Expanded family- and community-based preventive initiatives

According to the commission, early intervention and supportive social structures are essential to breaking cycles of violence and exploitation.

A Blueprint for Comprehensive Child Protection

Taken together, the draft report outlines a holistic approach to child protection, combining digital regulation, education reform, and social support mechanisms. While the recommendations are not yet law, they are expected to shape upcoming legislative debates and regulatory initiatives within the Turkish parliament.

If adopted, the proposed measures would represent one of the most far-reaching efforts in Turkey to regulate the digital environment in the name of child safety—signaling a new era of accountability for social media platforms and a stronger legal framework for protecting children in an increasingly connected world.