Instagram Unblocked in Turkey After 9-Day Ban
Salekin
Editor & Writer
Instagram Unblocked in Turkey After 9-Day Ban
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – 12 August 2024: The popular social media platform Instagram has finally reopened in Turkey after a nine-day long blockade. The country’s government said on Saturday that the decision was made after Instagram authorities agreed to comply with their laws and address the government’s concerns.
Tech News
Blocking Instagram: Causes and Reactions
The Turkish government has banned Instagram, accusing the social media platform of not respecting the country’s “law and order” and public sensibilities. A top Turkish official has complained that Instagram has blocked posts expressing condolences following the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Public Outrage and Protests for Instagram Unblocked in Turkey
The country is bursting with public anger: Protests against the ban on Instagram have spread everywhere. Particularly the small business owners who maintain contact with their customers through these platforms are the most affected. Turkey has more than 57 million Instagram users, the fifth highest in the world. From these statistics, it can be understood that the ban on this social media has affected the economy and social life of the country.
Instagram Consent and Instagram Unblocked in Turkey
Nine days after the ban was imposed, Instagram’s parent company Meta agreed to comply with Turkish law and address the government’s concerns. We have had constructive discussions with Instagram’s leadership, and they have assured us of their commitment to address our concerns regarding illegal activities and content restrictions on the platform. Access restrictions have been removed, as confirmed by Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu in a statement on X and finally Instagram Unblocked in Turkey
Government Statement
“It’s important to note that the catalog of crimes addressed in Turkish law encompasses serious offenses such as murder, sexual assault, drug trafficking, and torture. Turkey has made significant progress in enhancing the security of the digital environment, ensuring legal compliance, protecting users’ rights and building a fair inspection system,” said Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu.
NetBlocks Report
According to Internet monitor NetBlocks, no major social media platform has been banned for such a long time in Turkey in recent years.
Positive Impact of Lifting the Embargo
The country’s users and small businessmen heaved a sigh of relief after Instagram’s unblocking was lifted. This allows them to reconnect with their friends and customers and continue their business. However, Instagram will have to be more careful from now on in complying with the government’s new rules.
Future Challenges
The incident has fueled the ongoing debate over internet freedom and regulation of social media in Turkey. On the one hand, the government claims that it only wants to protect the country’s laws and people’s sensibilities, while critics say that the government is trying to suppress freedom of expression.
Conclusion
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