Twitch Turkey's age 15 decision: New era in account creation
The social media ban in Turkey will take effect later this year. Social media companies have already begun preparations for this regulation. Twitch Turkey has also made a new announcement regarding users under the age of 15.
While social media ban regulations for those under 15 are being implemented in many parts of the world, Turkey has joined the move. Following last month's statement, the social media ban for under-15s was announced. With the decision approved in the Official Gazette, new regulations for children aged 15 and under will take effect by the end of the year. Meanwhile, Twitch announced a new policy for users under 15 ahead of time.
Updating its Turkey policies under Law No. 7578, Twitch blocked individuals under 15 from creating new accounts. Existing accounts will be closed in February 2027.
NEW REGULATION FROM TWITCH FOR CHILDREN UNDER 15
Live streaming platform Twitch modified its user agreement in line with the social media regulation for under-15s entering into force in Turkey. As of October 29, the platform blocked people in Turkey under the age of 15 from opening new accounts. Existing accounts of individuals under 15 actively using the platform will be closed in February 2027.
Law No. 7578 and Legal Compliance Process
The basis of the decision is the social media age limit regulation introduced by Law No. 7578. The relevant legislation prohibits social network providers from serving children under 15 and requires platforms to perform age verification.
The deadline set for companies to comply with the legal regulation is March 31, 2027. Twitch aims to complete the implementation before the compliance deadline by closing existing accounts in February 2027.
Age Verification Will Be Performed via e-Devlet
Additionally, age verification standards were established for social network providers under the regulation. According to this, users' age status during account creation will be verified using an age verification token transferred via the e-Devlet Gate.
Account creation requests from users determined not to be 15 years old will not be approved. Users aged 15 and over will be subject to segregated service principles tailored for children.
Other Platforms Also Expected to Take Steps
Other companies must also comply with the new regulation alongside Twitch. Updating its user policy before the regulation takes effect, Twitch became one of the first major social network providers to take this action. As the rule applies to all social network providers, other platforms are expected to make similar announcements in the coming days.
Operating under Amazon, the live streaming platform recently faced different legal processes. The company encountered an artificial intelligence (AI)-focused copyright lawsuit alleging unauthorized use of streamer content.
This article was translated from Turkish. Read the original article in Turkish.
