Identity verification era coming to social media! What will happen to anonymous accounts?

A legislative proposal known in the public eye as the "Family Package," which aims to reshape social media usage in Turkey, is expected to be submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) soon. The proposal includes provisions that make identity verification and age limit applications mandatory for social network providers.

AKIN GÜRLEK: I CARE ABOUT THIS ISSUE

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek, in a statement made during a live broadcast on A Haber, a channel close to the government, drew attention to campaigns conducted on social media, stating, "There is lynching on social media. If a person is going to make a comment on social media, their identity must definitely be known. Everyone is being subjected to character assassination. They are trying to influence the judiciary. When a person makes a statement, they will be punished because their identity is known. I also care about this issue."

NEW RULES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH

According to a report by Türkiye newspaper, the proposal envisions a complete ban on social media accounts for those under the age of 15. Furthermore, it is planned to introduce biometric restrictions on social media and virtual betting access for users under 18. It is stated that the package may also include a system that will allow for the rapid removal of illegal content without waiting for a court order.

PHONE NUMBER REQUIREMENT ON THE AGENDA

It has been reported that Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Kırıkkale Deputy Halil Öztürk has submitted a proposal that includes linking social media accounts to mobile phone numbers. According to the proposal, it is envisioned that the internet traffic of platforms that do not fulfill this requirement will be gradually throttled, and accounts not associated with a phone number will not be hosted.

E-GOVERNMENT MODEL FOR IDENTITY VERIFICATION

Forensic informatics expert Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Kırık stated that a system based on e-Government integration could be implemented in Turkey. According to this model, users could verify their identities through an official platform and use an encrypted key for their accounts. Thus, social media platforms would be able to confirm that an account belongs to a real person without seeing or storing identity information. Kırık also expressed that artificial intelligence could be utilized in the detection of fake accounts.

Details regarding how existing anonymous accounts will be handled within the scope of these regulations have not yet been clarified.

News Source: 12punto