MLSA challenges BTK's Instagram ban in court, citing violations of freedom of expression, press, and access to information
The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) is contesting the access ban on Instagram imposed by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK), emphasizing that the restriction infringes on freedoms of expression, press, and access to information. MLSA seeks the suspension and annulment of BTK's decision.
On the morning of August 2, BTK implemented a decision to block access to the social media platform Instagram from Turkey. The rationale provided for the ban was "violation of catalog crimes." However, the authority to enforce such a ban was annulled by the Constitutional Court (AYM) in January.
MLSA's legal team has taken the issue to court, arguing that the administrative action by BTK violates freedoms of expression, press, and access to information. They are demanding the lifting of the access ban.
Veysel Ok: Access ban causes irreparable harm
MLSA Co-Director and lawyer Veysel Ok highlighted that the access ban infringes on both individual freedom of expression and communication freedom. He also noted significant revenue losses for those conducting business via social media and substantial restrictions on media access. Ok stated that they have taken legal action to first suspend and then annul BTK's decision.
An image on BTK's website shows that Instagram has been inaccessible in Turkey since August 2 due to the institution's decision. According to information obtained by Medyascope, Instagram was blocked due to "catalog crimes" such as "insulting Atatürk," "promoting gambling and drugs," and "child sexual abuse." However, the authority of the BTK President to impose access bans for catalog crimes was annulled by the Constitutional Court in January, with the decision set to take effect on October 10.
210,000 access bans in 2023
According to the FreeWeb Internet Censorship report, nearly 209,000 URLs were subjected to access bans in 2023. This included 5,641 social media posts and restrictions on 743 social media accounts.
