Türkiye plans social media regulations as Roblox, Discord face legal restrictions
Türkiye banned Roblox in early August over concerns about child safety and inappropriate content. (AA Photo)
Türkiye will finalize a legal framework regulating children’s access to social media in the first months of 2024, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu said during an interview on Turkish media outlet TV100.
The regulation is being prepared in collaboration with the Ministry of Family and Social Services, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Interior, along with parliamentary commissions. “We have reached a significant stage in drafting these regulations, and we aim to complete them in the early months of next year,” Uraloglu explained.
Roblox and Discord bans depend on court decisions
Addressing questions about the bans on popular platforms Roblox and Discord, Uraloglu clarified that the restrictions were imposed through court orders rather than regulatory agency decisions.
“Both platforms remain in communication with us despite not having official representation in Türkiye. Their reopening will depend on addressing the concerns raised in the court orders and receiving judicial approval,” he stated.
Uraloglu noted that both companies are actively working to resolve the identified issues and are expected to reapply for access once they comply with legal requirements.
Google update: No local regulatory action required
Responding to concerns about a recent Google update affecting website visibility in Türkiye, Uraloglu clarified that the decision was made globally by Google, not by its Türkiye branch.
“This was a global decision, not one made by Google Türkiye. The Competition Authority has been closely monitoring the situation, and at this stage, we see no need for further action from our side,” he explained.
Türkiye ranks 10th globally in cybersecurity
Türkiye has strengthened its cybersecurity capabilities through the National Cyber Incident Response Center (USOM), operating under the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK).
“We currently have a team of 7,200 specialists working to prevent thousands of cyber threats daily. Türkiye ranks 10th globally in cybersecurity and stands alongside Germany and France in Europe,” Uraloglu said.
Türkiye supports infrastructure restoration in Syria
Discussing Türkiye’s role in rebuilding Syria‘s infrastructure, Uraloglu revealed that a six-member team had been deployed to assess the conditions of Aleppo and Damascus airports.
“We found that neither airport has an operational radar system. Restoring these facilities is crucial for regional connectivity,” he said. The initial focus will be on reestablishing flight operations between Istanbul and Damascus, which could serve as a gateway for international travel.
Future of the historic Hejaz railway
On the status of the historic Hejaz Railway, Uraloglu acknowledged the lack of recent updates but expressed Türkiye’s readiness to contribute to its restoration. “We have operated both passenger and freight trains on this route in the past. Once we reassess the current condition, we will take the necessary steps,” he said.
Uraloglu also highlighted the importance of integrating Syria into the Development Corridor project, a transportation initiative connecting Iraq’s Basra Port to Türkiye and Europe.
“While integrating Syria is not immediately feasible, it remains a consideration for future stages of the project,” he noted.
Railway expansion plans for Türkiye
Türkiye aims to expand its railway network from the current 13,919 kilometers to 17,500 kilometers by 2028 and 28,590 kilometers by 2053.
The Ankara-Istanbul high-speed rail project, capable of speeds up to 350 kilometers per hour, is also underway. Upon completion, travel time between the two cities will be reduced to just 80 minutes.
“We are also working to resolve ticket availability issues by adding 12 new high-speed train sets,” Uraloglu added.
The Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge Railway Project aims to connect Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport. “This connection will enable passengers to travel between the two airports comfortably in about 30 minutes,” Uraloglu said.
Israel’s endgame in Syria: Mapping strategic priorities
Turkish defense giant Baykar to acquire Italy’s Piaggio in massive expansion
Nearly 31,000 Syrians return home since Assad’s fall: Interior Minister Yerlikaya
