Türkiye’s ruling AK Party declares zero tolerance for online trolls

The AK Party has intensified its scrutiny of online activities, especially focusing on trolls, following President Erdogan’s directive to prevent character assassination and foster a positive digital space

In the new era following the local elections, the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) has shifted its focus to scrutinizing online activities, particularly targeting trolls. This move comes in response to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s directive to prevent character assassination and maintain a constructive digital environment. As a result, a concerted effort has been made to identify and monitor accounts engaging in such activities.

After the March 31 local elections, the AK Party is crafting a roadmap for the upcoming period, focusing on combating troll and bot accounts on social media. Erdogan’s recent instructions emphasize the need to address and prevent online lynching attempts, reflecting a broader effort to maintain a balanced and respectful digital discourse.

“No one who is not appointed by us can speak on our behalf or carry out reputation assassination. Do not let the party’s corporate identity and its staff be assassinated. Support our friends who are subjected to such situations, do not allow lynching,” Erdogan said.

Character assassination attempts for money

AK Party sources noted that they have detected that dozens of accounts, especially on social media platform X, have carried out character assassinations against the party’s corporate identity and staff in exchange for money.

Party officials stated, “The individuals behind these actions, their methods, the trolls they employ, and their motives are revealed through technical examinations. These activities are planned and orchestrated, involving financial expenditure and targeting specific individuals. We are closely monitoring these activities and will continue to do so. The AK Party is not influenced by trolls; it is an institutional and well-established party. Everyone should be aware of their actions. We are addressing this matter with utmost seriousness.”

According to sources, the AK Party is seeking measures against troll and bot accounts on social media. President Erdogan has given instructions to take measures against lynching attempts on social media.

Source: Newsroom