Erdogan repudiates pressure from social media companies

Turkish President Erdogan stated that Turkey will not give into pressure from social media companies that put themselves above laws and individual rights. Erdogan insisted on the importance of Turkey’s legal fight against ‘digital dictatorship and cyber bullying’. Erdogan’s remarks took place at a media awards ceremony held in Ankara. In addition, he mentioned that the US elections and the shutdown of authorities’ social media accounts represent how far ‘digital fascism’ can go. 

 

Turkey legislature passed a digital media law in 2020 that obliges social media companies to appoint official representatives that will be in charge to remove content that the Turkish authorities consider illegal in 48 hours. Social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram did not comply with the requirement and were fined twice in 2020.