Warning about plans – Social media law in Turkey: “Bright future”

In particular, one article about the dissemination of false information caused a lot of discussion. Accordingly, there is a risk of up to three years in prison if, for example, false information about the country’s internal and external security, public order and general health is disseminated with the motive of raising the alarm. Mustafa Yeneroglu of the opposition Deva party criticized the wording in the draft as vague and prone to arbitrariness.

The law also provides new rules for online media. Journalists’ associations warned that the bill could become one of the toughest censorship and self-censorship mechanisms in the history of the Turkish Republic. Ünal Ceviköz, politician of the main opposition CHP party, announced the fight against a “mentality” that is “trampling the right”.

Disinformation “serious threat” to access “real” information
Supporters of the law argue that disinformation has become a “serious threat” to access to “real” information. Fighting such a “threat” is necessary to protect fundamental rights and freedoms. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has described social media as a threat to democracy in the past.

“The future of fundamental freedoms in Turkey looks bleak,” Akdeniz said. He called the draft “the government’s latest attempt to suppress freedom of expression and press in Turkey by creating a climate of fear”. “This will be their latest weapon for the 2023 general election.”

The law has yet to be passed by parliament. The ruling AKP has a majority there with its partner, the ultra-nationalist MHP. The design came from both.