The development of information and communication technologies and the widespread application of digital technologies in the Republic of Azerbaijan have led to the significant place of social networks in the system of public relations. The rapid digitalization of social relations and the entry of social networks into the daily lives of children at an increasingly early age, the increase in the scale of production, dissemination and consumption of information through these networks necessitate the analysis and improvement of the current state of legal regulation in this area in terms of modern technological, social and security challenges.

Research by international organizations and scientific research institutions, the experience of other countries show that attention to the protection of children in the digital environment, the application of special legal protection and technological protection mechanisms for their psychological well-being and safety, and healthy development are required. This approach recommends that the privacy, dignity and safety of children in the digital environment be protected directly by states. In international practice, first of all, the widespread application of requirements that establish obligations related to the regulation of the activities of social networks, reducing risks to them for children, and more serious protection and security of data is observed.

These new requirements ensure the safety of children and adolescents in the digital environment through the systematic legal framework for regulating the activities of social networks, parental control, intra-platform security mechanisms and age-appropriate content filters, as well as creating conditions for their critical information analysis, behavioral and knowledge culture development.

Guided by paragraph 32 of Article 109 of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in order to promote a balanced, evidence-based and systematic approach to the protection of children in the digital environment, digital skills in the use of social networks, the formation of a culture of online behavior and the development of creative digital potential, I decide:

1. The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan:

1.1. by involving relevant state bodies (institutions), scientific institutions and organizations, specialists and civil society institutions and taking into account international experience, to prepare draft normative legal acts covering the protection of children from harmful content and influences on social networks in the country, including the application of age restrictions when registering on social networks, within three months and submit them to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan;

1.2. ensure that measures are taken to determine and implement rules for the use of mobile and electronic devices in school preparatory groups and general education institutions;

1.3. take measures to include digital literacy, cybersecurity and responsible online behavior in educational programs (curricula) for school preparatory and general education subjects, including content standards, as well as to develop and implement awareness programs aimed at parents, teachers and children in the media;

1.4. take measures to promote the implementation of regular awareness-raising work on the legal use of social networks, the protection of children's rights during such use, including scientific research on the digital well-being of children;

1.5. resolve other issues arising from this Order.

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, February 27, 2026