Individual lawsuit path against social media platforms opening for families

A new legal regulation is on the agenda in Turkey to address the risks children may encounter on digital platforms. The regulation, which is planned to come into effect in September, is expected to grant parents the right to file individual lawsuits if their children experience grievances on social media platforms.

The regulation is expected to increase controls on social media access and in-platform transactions, particularly for users under the age of 15. Furthermore, it is planned that notifications will be sent to families if children make paid transactions, and that users aged 16-18 will be directed toward age-appropriate pedagogical content.

Nazım Elmas, Chairman of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) Digital Channels Commission, stated that the commission is working on legislation regarding this issue and that the regulation will be implemented starting in September. Elmas noted that in the new period, families of children who experience grievances on social media platforms will be able to file individual lawsuits.

Elmas stated that administrative sanctions could also be on the agenda if platforms fail to take the necessary precautions, noting that mechanisms for protecting children against harm in the digital environment will be strengthened.

LAWSUITS IN THE US DRAW ATTENTION

The preparations in Turkey coincide with a period in which child safety lawsuits filed against social media companies in the US are being closely monitored. In the US, major technology companies, led by Meta, are facing numerous lawsuits over allegations that they do not sufficiently protect children and use addictive designs.

Following fines imposed on Meta in the state of New Mexico, it is stated that the company is facing the risk of very high-amount compensation claims. The federal appeals court's decision to allow thousands of lawsuits filed against Meta, Google, Snap, and TikTok to proceed has led to assessments that the process could turn into broader legal pressure for technology companies.

Hüseyin Yayman, former Chairman of the TBMM Digital Channels Commission, also stated that protecting children from digital risks has moved beyond an area that families can handle on their own, emphasizing that the responsibilities of technology companies must be clarified.

News Source: 12punto