Information Technologies and Communication Authority President Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu attended the “Youth Accounts Launch” event organized by Meta in Istanbul. In his speech, Karagözoğlu spoke about the safety of children and young people in the digital environment.
At the “Youth Accounts Launch” event organized by Meta for young people, discussions focused on how to provide a safer internet environment for youth. Speaking at the opening of the program, BTK President Karagözoğlu drew attention to the widespread use of social media among young people, sharing that the general social media usage rate in Turkey is around 70% of the population, rising to 92% in the youth age group. Expressing that a trend called 'social media detox' has recently begun among young people, Karagözoğlu stated that this approach aims to take a short break from the digital world and suggested that everyone could benefit from such a detox from time to time.
Karagözoğlu said, “Do not see the digital world only as an entertainment platform. The games you play today could become tomorrow's business world. The platforms where you watch content today could become the showcases of the companies you will manage in the future,” reminding them of the need to properly evaluate the opportunities offered by the digital world.
Touching on BTK’s projects, Karagözoğlu stated that the Safe Internet service allows families to provide a more controlled online experience for their children. He also said, “Events organized under the theme ‘Together for a Safer Internet’ raise awareness among children and parents about digital risks.” Karagözoğlu reminded that the content on BTK’s internet portal also serves as a guide.
Providing information about BTK Academy, which contributes to the development of young people’s digital skills, Karagözoğlu said, “Today, the number of people receiving training at BTK Academy exceeds 2 million. This figure is a concrete indicator that our country’s digital competency map is strengthening day by day.”
Referring to the National Technology Initiative, Karagözoğlu noted that this strategy is critical not only for development but also for digital sovereignty and social welfare, adding: “Every domestic product is the most concrete guarantee of our independence. Because we know that those who leave their communication infrastructure to others read their own stories from others’ pens.”
Speaking about efforts in digital security, Karagözoğlu recalled that a cyber attack occurs worldwide every 39 seconds in 2024, stating, “The National Cyber Incident Response Center (USOM) has taken on the role of Turkey’s digital guardianship. We prevent many cyber threats before they even happen.”
Concluding his speech with the words, “As we chart this course, our compass is our nation’s values; our speed is the energy of our youth; our assurance is our own domestic and national capabilities,” Karagözoğlu emphasized the importance of young people growing up with technology while also being shaped by values.