Meta welcomes Instagram’s return in Turkey
The ban sparked protests from users and small businesses reliant on Instagram.
Meta Platforms announced that access to Instagram in Turkey has been restored after a nine-day block. The social media giant expressed its satisfaction with the platform being operational again and confirmed ongoing discussions with Turkish authorities regarding content that violates its policies. Meta emphasised its commitment to removing content related to dangerous organisations and individuals while applying allowances for newsworthy content where appropriate.
The Turkish government had blocked Instagram on 2 August, citing the platform’s failure to comply with local laws. The ban was linked to allegations that Instagram had restricted posts expressing condolences over the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The block led to significant protests from users and businesses reliant on the platform. Meta clarified that it did not change its policies but agreed to reassess its actions concerning policy-violating content in Turkey.
Turkey, which ranks fifth globally in Instagram usage with over 57 million users, saw the platform reinstated after Meta’s assurances to cooperate with Turkish authorities. Despite the platform’s return, tensions remain, highlighted by the recent arrest of a woman who criticised the Instagram ban.
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