Access Restrictions on Social Media Accounts in Turkey and Legal Remedies
As the number of blocked accounts approaches 1,500 due to increasing censorship and account blocks on social media in Turkey over the past month, the stance of the X platform and legal remedies for users are being discussed.
As a result of the wave of censorship and account blocks applied on social media platforms in Turkey over the past month, the number of blocked accounts and websites has approached 1,500. Decisions by the Criminal Judgeships of Peace, the stance of the X platform, and user legal recourse methods are being addressed in this process.
Bans and Methods of Pressure from Past to Present
Similarities to past book bans, newspaper confiscations, and investigations targeting artists in Turkey continue to appear in different areas today.
While artists' stage outfits and songs are targeted on the grounds of obscenity, it is noted that attempts are also being made to create crimes out of academic theses.
Increasing Censorship and Blocks on Social Media
In a process deepened by restrictions on LGBTI+ organizations and funding debates over the past month, websites and social media accounts have been targeted.
As of today, the number of closed or blocked accounts has reached the threshold of 1,500.
Silencing Attempts Covering a Wide Spectrum
Numerous journalists, academics, activists, economists, and lawyers are among the accounts whose access has been blocked.
Names from various professional groups criticizing government policies and student initiatives are being tried to be silenced during this process.
Decisions of Criminal Judgeships of Peace and Legal Debates
The fact that blocking decisions are made by Criminal Judgeships of Peace through file reviews and without granting the right to defense creates legal controversy.
Individuals and institutions only find the opportunity to defend themselves when they appeal the decisions, which leads to penalties being applied beforehand.
The Stance of the X Platform and Allegations of Voluntary Cooperation
The management of the platform formerly known as Twitter and now as X rapidly implementing incoming blocking requests is evaluated as voluntary cooperation rather than a necessity.
It is stated that the platform, which has a massive global impact, has not taken steps to mitigate the effect of such restrictions.
Distinction Between Private Property and Public Sphere
The X platform, which legally holds the status of private property, carries the character of a public sphere due to its scale on a global level and its power to shape public opinion.
It is emphasized that these mediums, which exist through the joint labor of millions of users, cannot be condemned to the preferences of one or a few individuals.
Boycott and Alternative Solution Proposals for Users
It is argued that users should not remain passive against such manipulations, and one- or two-day site non-entry boycotts or transitions to alternative mediums can be organized.
It is stated that individuals can defend their rights by organizing and that social media is also an arena of struggle.
Class Action Lawsuits That Can Be Filed in the US and Legal Liability
According to Yavuz Baydar's assessments, the fact that the X platform renders its service defective despite collecting fees from its users generates legal liability.
Based on İlker Atamer's commentary, it is recalled that users whose access has been restricted can file a class action lawsuit against the company's headquarters in the US.