Türkiye blocks Instagram amid controversy

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) has blocked access to Instagram in Türkiye. The decision was posted on the BTK website without any accompanying explanation for the move or its anticipated duration.

Impact on users

This decision has left Instagram users in Türkiye unable to access the platform. However, access to other social media platforms owned by Meta, such as Facebook, remains unaffected. Türkiye, with its 57.1 million Instagram users, ranks as the fifth-largest user base for the platform globally.

Reason for ban

Sources from BTK, as reported by CNBC-e, revealed that the platform was blocked using the authority’s discretionary power. The action was taken following Instagram’s restriction of posts related to the death of Ismail Haniyeh, leader of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, a high-profile incident. The BTK is expected to secure a court order within 24 to 48 hours to formalize the ban.

Government’s reaction

On July 31, Fahrettin Altun, head of the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications, condemned Instagram for its actions. Following the assassination news of Haniyeh, Altun criticized the platform on social media.

This is a clear and blatant act of censorship. We will continue to defend freedom of expression against platforms that serve global exploitation and injustice.

Fahrettin Altun

Ongoing developments

As of now, the BTK has not provided specific details regarding the duration of the access ban or any further explanations. The situation remains fluid, with further updates expected following court proceedings.