Turkish communications chief criticizes social media, calls for domestic platforms

Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun issued a stern warning to social media platforms, emphasizing the need to prevent the use of their services for terrorism, organized crime, or other illegal activities.

“Work with the Turkish judiciary, security forces, and institutions,” he said during a presentation at the AK Party Human Rights Presidency’s Human Rights Training Program.

Altun emphasized the right to accurate information while criticizing global media and social media platforms for their ideological biases. He stated that justice is a fundamental human right and that without it, human rights cannot exist.

Altun described the current global situation as a dual crisis of injustice and truth, asserting that both crises pose serious threats to human rights. He emphasized the critical importance of truth, noting that accurate information serves as its foundation.

Altun also described the current state of affairs as a type of digital fascism, driven by digital dictators. He warned that these entities intend to colonize and exploit everyday life, promote artificial overconsumption, and foster digital addiction.

He chastised these platforms for their disparate treatment, noting that they follow Western laws but frequently disregard Turkish regulations.

Altun mentioned that the U.K. prime minister accused social media companies of exacerbating violence online. He emphasized that laws should be universally applicable and criticized the platforms for having separate standards for Western and non-Western states.

Altun discussed establishing the Disinformation Combat Center within the Presidency’s Communication Directorate to combat false news. Altun specifically mentioned inaccurate reports about decisions made by the Constitutional Court regarding Instagram access restrictions. He criticized the way these unrelated court rulings were falsely connected.

He praised the work already done by the Disinformation Combat Center, claiming it has successfully uncovered hidden atrocities committed by Israel. Altun believes the center has been effective in revealing truths that the global media has tried to suppress.

Finally, Altun advocated for the creation of domestic and national social media platforms, urging increased investment in digital media as well as the establishment of local platforms to combat global injustices and the truth crisis.