In recent years, the risks posed by minors' use of social networks globally, from psychological, social, and security perspectives, have become a widespread subject of discussion. A number of countries have implemented normative-legal mechanisms to prevent these risks, establishing age restrictions and forms of institutional control. This international trend actualizes the question of the possibility of similar regulations in national legal systems.
It is interesting to know, when might this prohibition be implemented in Azerbaijan?
Member of the Science and Education Committee of the Milli Majlis, MP Vasif Qafarov, stated in a comment to AzEdu.az regarding the topic that international experience is also relevant for Azerbaijan, and the possibilities of implementing similar regulations in the national legal system are coming to the forefront:
“In Azerbaijan, restricting minors' use of social networks generally appears realistic from a legal perspective. The existing legislation includes principles such as the protection of children's rights, information security, protection of personal data, and prevention of harmful information. This provides an opportunity to substantiate normative mechanisms in this direction.
However, the implementation of such restrictions does not end merely with the adoption of a law. Serious technical and institutional mechanisms are required for its practical execution. The biggest challenge is the issue of age verification. For verifying real age on social networks, e-gov integration, verification via mobile operators, or special models adapted to the platforms' own systems are needed. At the same time, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and other global platforms may not immediately adapt to local legislation, which complicates the enforcement of the norm".
VPN and alternative access methods may allow minors to circumvent the prohibition, therefore a “complete ban” model may yield weak practical effects:
“For this reason, the most realistic approach in Azerbaijan, in line with international practice, may not be a complete ban, but a phased and balanced regulation. This model envisages restricting access to social networks for individuals under 13 years of age, implementing a parental consent mechanism for those aged 13-16, and maintaining free use for individuals over 16 years of age.
In parallel, the implementation of restrictions on social networks and phone use in the school environment can be quicker and more effective. This is both technically easier and can be justified for the purpose of protecting the educational environment. Another important direction is imposing obligations on platforms. Within this framework, the state can demand the restriction of advertisements targeting minors, the blocking of dangerous content, the standardization of child account modes, and the implementation of accountability mechanisms".
The phased implementation of such normative measures is possible in Azerbaijan:
"The most realistic probability is that in the next 1-3 years, soft restrictions, awareness-raising measures, usage rules in schools, and parental control mechanisms will come to the forefront. More serious legal regulations, i.e., the legal determination of age limits, the imposition of legal obligations on platforms, and the formation of administrative responsibility mechanisms, appear possible within a 3-5 year interval. A complete and strict prohibition model will only be possible when extensive technical infrastructure, an age verification system, and real integration with platforms are established, which is a long-term scenario that may come onto the agenda at least 5 years from now".
