Turkish President Erdogan Accuses Social Media Platforms of “Digital Fascism”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan did not hold back in his criticism of social media platforms, accusing them of engaging in what he called “digital fascism.” Erdogan specifically pointed out the alleged censorship of photos of Palestinian “martyrs,” which he condemned as a suppression of freedom of expression.
Erdogan’s comments come as Turkish officials are in discussions with Instagram representatives to restore access to the platform for millions of users in Turkey. The Turkish government had banned access to Instagram on August 2, citing the platform’s failure to comply with Turkish regulations. However, reports suggest that the ban was a response to Instagram deleting posts expressing condolences for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
Crackdown on Social Media and Online Platforms in Turkey
The ban on Instagram is just the latest example of a broader crackdown on websites in Turkey. The country has a history of censoring social media and online platforms, with Erdogan describing the situation as “digital fascism disguised as freedom.” Unlike Western allies, Turkey does not consider Hamas a terrorist organization and views the group as a liberation movement.
Erdogan also criticized social media sites for allegedly allowing groups considered terrorists in Turkey to carry out propaganda. Despite efforts to establish dialogue channels with relevant institutions, Erdogan expressed frustration over the lack of cooperation in addressing these issues.
Negotiations with Instagram and Economic Impact
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu confirmed that Turkish authorities recently met with representatives of Meta-owned companies, including Instagram, to discuss the ban. The discussions are ongoing, with hopes of finding a resolution that would allow millions of Turkish users to access the platform once again.
Instagram has a significant presence in Turkey, with over 57 million users in a country of 85 million people. The platform, along with other social media sites, plays a crucial role in e-commerce, generating approximately TL 930 million (USD 27 million) worth of revenue daily. The outcome of the negotiations with Instagram could have a substantial economic impact on the country.
In conclusion, Erdogan’s strong stance against social media censorship highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing freedom of expression with regulatory compliance in the digital age. The outcome of negotiations with Instagram will not only affect millions of Turkish users but also have broader implications for online freedom and economic activity in the country.
