Academics' social media and YouTube earnings spark debate

Following an advisory opinion sent by the Presidency's General Secretariat to the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), academics generating income by creating content on YouTube and social media platforms has sparked debates.

Legal Assessment and Advisory Opinion

The Presidency's General Secretariat evaluated academics and public servants earning income through social media platforms and websites such as YouTube within the framework of Civil Servants Law No. 657 in a letter sent to YÖK.

YÖK announced to the public that upon an application by a state university, an opinion was requested from the Presidency's General Secretariat, and the opinion received in this direction was forwarded to the relevant universities.

Approach of Universities and Experts

Karadeniz Technical University published an announcement regarding civil servants earning income from digital platforms, treating such activities within the scope of the ban on engaging in commercial and profit-generating activities.

It was stated that no official notification regarding the issue has yet been made to academics working at foundation universities.

Academics' Reactions and Decisions

Making a statement on the issue, Prof. Dr. Tolga Şirin stated that there is no new ban, and that engaging in commerce is prohibited, not publishing and producing content.

Names such as Prof. Dr. Altay Tayfun Özcan and Prof. Dr. Özgür Tüfekçi announced that they are permanently ending their YouTube videos, emphasizing that the decision will negatively affect the public sphere of knowledge.