Turkey Blocks Access to Instagram Following Non-Compliance with Regulations

Turkey’s decision to block access to Instagram has led to a significant increase in online searches for VPNs in the country, according to research analyst Benjamin Feve. The ban was implemented after Instagram failed to comply with local regulations, said Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu. The platform had removed Turkish posts expressing condolences for the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which led to swift sanctions. Despite Turkey’s stance, Instagram is widely used in the country, with over 50 million users. The ban, imposed by Turkey’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority, has sparked concerns about restricting free speech and internet censorship. Turkey has a low score in Freedom House’s Freedom of the Net 2023 ratings, with a decline in internet freedom over the past decade. The recent ban on Instagram is just one in a series of internet censorship measures taken by the Turkish government.
Social media platforms have been accused of bias in favor of Western nations when it comes to taking measures on issues. Omer Fatih Sayan, the Turkish Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, called for a fair stance and the same sensitivity from these platforms. He emphasized the need for a safe, clean, and fair content mechanism in Turkey.
Critics of the ban, such as Ekrem Imamoglu, a member of the opposition party, argue that restrictions on social media platforms stifle free expression and hinder the flow of information. They urge the authorities to reconsider the decision and work towards a more open and connected society.
The ban on Instagram is not an isolated incident but part of a larger trend of internet censorship in Turkey. The country has seen a decline in internet freedom over the past decade, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) enacting laws that increase censorship and criminalize online speech. Ahead of the general elections last year, Turkish authorities removed online content and issued criminal penalties against internet users. In 2022, Turkey introduced a Disinformation Law that further restricts online speech and privacy.
The ban on Instagram in Turkey highlights the ongoing struggle between governments and social media platforms, as well as the challenges of balancing free expression and regulation. It also underscores the importance of VPNs in circumventing internet censorship and protecting online privacy.