Introduction
Turkey recently initiated a transparent policy evaluation of six major online platforms amid a global rise in social media child safety. There is a significant shift among people regarding children’s online privacy risks.
Social media use is high among minors, from online games to studies. They are highly active on different platforms, which is forcing governments and regulatory authorities to increase the scrutiny of data processing practices.
Legal Practices in Turkey
The Personal Data Protection Authority (KVKK) is the primary data protection authority in Turkey, which supervises adherence to the country’s data privacy framework.
According to the Economic Times, these steps are taken to safeguard underage individuals from threats that loom around the digital platforms. Moreover, they will analyze data management practices and security measures on digital platforms (YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Discord, and X).
As per Turkey’s Personal Data Protection Law No. 6698, there are limitations on how data is collected, utilized, and for how long it can be retained.
However, in the past, there were no specific laws that covered child safety. Recently, Turkey has strengthened laws for international companies carrying out business in the country.
International Context
With technological advancement, social media child safety risks are rising worldwide. Laws have been enacted in governments to increase online safety, particularly for minors. The PM of the Czech Republic backed a proposal to ban social media for children under 15 years.
In nations like the United States and the United Kingdom, rules pertaining to minors under the age of thirteen are being updated to demand parental approval and to limit targeted marketing.
Social media platforms prioritize compliance with international and national laws. They have introduced features related to age verification and parental control for minors recently. YouTube added a feature that allows parents to manage screen time for adolescents.
Pakistan’s Context
Pakistan is experiencing a rapid digital growth, with millions of users online. Children are highly active on the internet. They are using social media platforms to connect, play games, and pursue education.
Data protection laws are underdeveloped in Pakistan. Moreover, there is a gap when it comes to enforcement.
Digital literacy is low among parents and children, which increases the online security risks. Parents have limited information about the social media apps‘ algorithms and how they examine behavior and track user activity online.
Future Outlook
For governments and regulatory bodies, data protection is a top priority. Turkey has made a major step to address children’s privacy issues, sending a clear message that children need tighter regulatory frameworks on digital platforms.
In Pakistan, child safety must be seen as a responsibility, not only a regulatory framework. Parents have genuine concerns, and we have seen harsh incidents involving children’s privacy.