Turkey bans Instagram, requiring compliance with local laws
There has been a ‘significant increase’ in online searches for VPNs in the country following the ban, as reported by a research analyst.
Turkey blocked its citizens from accessing Instagram citing non-compliance with regulations. This decision was made after the app removed Turkish posts expressing condolences for the death of a Hamas leader.
“Once those who do not comply with our laws and sensitivities rectify their deficiencies, we will lift the access ban,” the minister explained.
Yeni Safak newspaper, aligned with the government, reported that Instagram’s access was restricted because the platform removed posts by Turkish users mourning the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
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“As the Mayor of Istanbul, I strongly believe that communication bans do not benefit any society. Limiting access to social media platforms stifles free expression and hinders the flow of information,” Imamoglu expressed in an X post on Aug. 2.
“I urge the authorities to reassess this decision and remove the ban. Let’s collaborate for a more open and connected society.”
Freedom House points out, “Internet freedom in Turkey has been declining steadily over the past decade. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) have put in place various laws that enhance censorship and criminalize online speech.”
For example, ahead of the general elections last year, Turkish authorities removed online content and penalized certain internet users, the organization noted.
Earlier in 2022, Turkey introduced a Disinformation Law that criminalizes online speech while also limiting privacy, according to the report.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
