Turkish YouTube broadcasters to face licensing requirements

Ebubekir Sahin, chairman of the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK), has revealed that YouTube broadcasters in Türkiye will soon be required to obtain a license, as part of efforts to regulate digital content in compliance with Turkish laws.

He said that all broadcasts, excluding personal content, are subject to RTUK supervision.

Turkish YouTuber broadcasters must obtain license

Speaking on Armagan Caglayan’s program on Ekol TV, Sahin said that while RTUK has not intervened in YouTube content thus far, regulatory measures will be enforced moving forward.

He explained, “YouTube has never been subject to RTUK intervention, but all broadcasts, except personal ones, are under RTUK’s control. Digital platforms operating in Türkiye must adhere to Turkish regulations and obtain licenses.”

Chairman Sahin added, “YouTube broadcasters, including those producing news or programs, will need to acquire a license from RTUK. The license will be issued for a modest fee, with a 10-year validity and annual payments.”

Licenses available prior to law enactment

Sahin highlighted that discussions with YouTube are ongoing and licenses can be secured even before the law is formally implemented. “We’re awaiting feedback from YouTube on our proposal. It is possible to acquire a license before the law takes effect,” he noted.

AI technology to monitor YouTube content

Addressing concerns over content regulation, Sahin stated that RTUK is utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor YouTube broadcasts, selecting specific keywords to ensure compliance with community guidelines and Turkish laws.

We are increasing oversight on YouTube. We’ll be hiring more experts, but AI technology, developed locally, is already in use for monitoring. YouTube itself also enforces its own community guidelines. No one has unlimited freedom; we must all comply with the rules

Ebubekir Sahin, the Chairman of RTUK

Street interviews under RTUK scrutiny

The controversy surrounding street interviews was also discussed during the interview, with Sahin affirming RTUK’s authority over such content.

RTUK has the power to regulate all broadcasts. There’s a misconception that the state is powerless in this matter. We’ve warned about these interviews through BTK and YouTube. Instead of self-regulation, these interviews started appearing on global news platforms.

The ‘Dilruba incident’ happened after my statement, and under the circumstances, anyone would have been detained

Ebubekir Sahin

The investigation into Dilruba Kayserilioglu, who was initially arrested and later released due to comments made during a street interview in Izmir, has concluded. Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has sought a prison sentence for Kayserilioglu on charges of inciting public hatred and hostility.

RTUK’s regulatory measures

RTUK Chairman Ebubekir Sahin has been vocal about his concerns regarding the potential for street interviews to disseminate misinformation and manipulate public opinion. In recent statements, Sahin emphasized: 

• Manipulation of public opinion: Street interviews, especially those broadcasted on social media platforms, can be strategically used to influence viewers’ perceptions, often aligning with specific economic or political agendas. 
• Disinformation risk: The council believes that these interviews contribute to the spread of disinformation, which can exacerbate sociological conflicts within society. 
• Monitoring and regulation: RTUK has initiated efforts to monitor these broadcasts closely and is considering implementing stricter regulations to ensure the content adheres to established journalistic ethics and standards. 

This move by RTUK has sparked a debate over the fine line between regulating harmful content and preserving freedom of expression, a cornerstone of democratic societies. 

Case studies: From imprisonment to political ascent 

The impact of street interviews in Türkiye is vividly illustrated through individual stories that highlight both the risks and opportunities associated with this form of journalism.