New regulation to introduce ‘digital consent age’ for children’s data

ANKARA

Türkiye is preparing a new regulation aimed at strengthening the protection of children’s personal data online, with plans to introduce a “digital consent age” that would set rules for when minors can independently approve the processing of their information.

The regulation is expected to establish additional safeguards for children’s data collected by digital platforms, including social media networks and online services, as authorities seek to address concerns over privacy, data security and children’s exposure to online risks, daily Milliyet reported on Aug. 6.

The planned framework follows broader efforts to regulate children’s digital activities. A recently adopted law introduced measures targeting social media access for children under 15, requiring platforms to take steps such as age verification and provide safer digital environments for younger users.

Under the upcoming data protection rules, children below a certain age would require parental consent before their personal information could be processed, while those above the threshold could potentially exercise greater control over their own data, according to the report.

Officials are expected to determine the exact age limit and implementation details as part of ongoing work on children’s online safety. Similar age-based consent mechanisms have been introduced in several countries as governments attempt to balance children’s access to digital services with privacy protections.

The move comes as Türkiye expands its regulatory approach toward digital platforms. The government has also been working on rules requiring stronger age verification systems and parental control tools for services used by children.