Turkish minister warns social media platforms to comply with local laws
A phone screen shows multiple social media platforms. (AA Photo)
Türkiye’s Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc Wednesday has warned social media platforms and websites operating in Türkiye, emphasizing that they must comply with Turkish laws – particularly concerning criminal content.
Türkiye bans Discord
His comments were made following recent legal actions initiated by public prosecutors against social media platforms that host unlawful material, such as Discord. Türkiye has also discussed banning other platforms, such as TikTok.
In a statement shared on his social media account, Tunc underlined the legal obligations of platforms that serve millions of users in Türkiye, stressing that “no one is above the law.”
“These social media providers and websites, which have millions of users in our country, are also required to abide by the laws and regulations of the Republic of Türkiye,” Tunc said.
“No one has any privileges,” he maintained.
Legal consequences for non-compliance
Tunc pointed out that public prosecutors have already investigated several platforms hosting content that violates Turkish law.
He warned that platforms failing to remove such content or enforce court rulings would face significant consequences under Law No. 5651, regulating internet publications and preventing online crimes.
“Fines, advertising bans, bandwidth restrictions, and access blocking will be imposed on social media providers and websites that do not remove illegal content or comply with court decisions,” the Justice Minister affirmed.
Upholding the rule of law
Emphasizing Türkiye’s status as a state governed by the rule of law, Tunc stressed the responsibility of protecting society, especially the youth, from criminal activities.
“As a state governed by law, it is our duty to protect society from crime,” he noted, vowing that the government would not tolerate any efforts to harm the country’s social fabric.
“We will not allow attempts to poison our young people and children or shake the foundations of our society. We remain steadfast in our determination to fight crime and criminals,” the minister concluded.
