Azerbaijan introduces age verification rules for social media accounts

Azerbaijan is introducing new requirements for social media platforms, including a ban on account creation for users under-16 and mandatory age verification measures to regulate children's access to online services.

This is reflected in the new articles added to the Law "On Information, Informatisation and Protection of Information," which President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree to implement.

According to the proposal, platforms will not be allowed to create individual digital accounts for users under the age of 16.

The list of platforms covered by the restrictions will be determined by a relevant state authority.

Platforms must verify users' ages

To ensure compliance with age restrictions, platforms must introduce a multi-step verification process, including confirmation that users are 16 or older before allowing account creation.

For users aged 16 to 18, parents or guardians will be able to manage displayed content and advertisements, as well as monitor platform usage time through supervision tools provided by platforms.

Rules on children's data protection

The legislation introduces limits on how platforms can handle age-verification information.

Providers will not be allowed to:

• store collected age-verification data after the process is completed
• share the data with third parties
• use it for commercial purposes, including targeted advertising.

Platforms must also remove content and personal data posted by users before reaching adulthood upon request from the individual or their legal representative.

To protect children from harmful online material, platforms will be required to introduce continuous monitoring systems.

Providers are required to:

• Detect and respond to harmful content affecting children's safety and rights.
• Take action within 24 hours after identifying such content.

The legislation will enter into force 12 months after publication.

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Azerbaijan follows global online safety trend

The move comes amid growing international campaign by governments to regulate children's access to social media over concerns related to mental health, cyberbullying, addiction risks and online safety.

Countries including Australia, Portugal, France, Denmark, the United Kingdom and Türkiye have introduced or are considering stricter, age-based social media rules.

Australia became the first country to impose a nationwide ban on social media use for children under-16, while several European countries are also moving toward stronger parental controls and age verification requirements.

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Azerbaijan Social media Age Verification Digital Regulation social media platforms