Türkiye Plans ID Verification for Social Media Users, Justice Minister Says

By Bosphorus News Staff

Türkiye is preparing new regulations that would require identity verification for social media users, Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç announced, outlining planned measures as part of the upcoming judicial reform package.

Speaking on [insert exact date], Tunç said authorities are working on a system that would introduce mandatory identity verification for social media accounts. Under the proposal, platforms would be required to implement mechanisms ensuring users verify their identity information.

The minister stated that unverified accounts would be granted a transition period. If users fail to complete the verification process within the designated timeframe, restrictions could be applied to those accounts.

The technical coordination is expected to involve the Information and Communication Technologies Authority, Bilgi Teknolojileri ve İletişim Kurumu (BTK), which would oversee implementation procedures.

Part of the 12th Judicial Reform Package

The proposal is expected to be included in Türkiye’s 12th Judicial Reform Package. According to the minister, the objective is to address crimes committed through anonymous or pseudonymous accounts, particularly offenses such as online harassment, threats and disinformation.

Tunç argued that anonymity on social media can complicate judicial investigations and delay accountability. He said identity verification would aim to “strengthen legal traceability” while preserving lawful digital participation.

Proposed Changes to Juvenile Crime Definition

In addition to the social media regulation, the minister also indicated that the government is considering revisions to the legal definition of “children driven to crime” (suça sürüklenen çocuk). The proposal would reassess age thresholds and responsibility criteria within the juvenile justice framework.

Details of the revised definition have not yet been formally submitted to parliament.

Next Steps

The draft text of the judicial reform package has not yet been publicly released. Parliamentary debate is expected once the bill is submitted.

If adopted, the social media verification requirement would represent one of the most consequential regulatory changes to Türkiye’s digital governance framework in recent years.