Restrictions on LGBTI+ Focused Social Media Access Expand in Turkey
The scope of internet censorship targeting LGBTI+ human rights defenders and civil society organizations is expanding day by day.
While the scope of access blocks targeting LGBTI+ individuals and civil society organizations in Turkey widens, numerous social media accounts, including those of journalists and associations, have been blocked.
The Scope of Access Restrictions Expands
The scope of access block practices initiated against LGBTI+ individuals and civil society organizations in Turkey continues to expand day by day. The Freedom of Expression Association announced that new restrictions have been added to the blocks that began on September 12 and accelerated in the following days.
According to the information shared by the association, 22 more social media accounts were recently blocked, and these decisions were shared with the public.
Blocked Accounts and Names
Among the social media accounts subjected to access blocks are well-known figures such as İrfan Değirmenci and Şirin Payzın, as well as press organizations and civil society structures.
It was reported that the X accounts of soL Haber, the Women's Coalition, and the Federation of Women's Associations of Turkey were also blocked, while some accounts were made invisible from Turkey by the platform.
International Figures and Institutions
Internationally recognized figures, various political structures, and civil society formations were also included in the access block list in Turkey.
Alongside the official X account of Ugandan LGBTI+ activist Frank Mugisha, the accounts of Pride, Altyazı Fasikül Özgür Sinema, the Socialist Laborers Party, and the Revolutionary Socialist Workers Party were also among those blocked.
Monitoring by the EngelliWeb Project
The EngelliWeb project, carried out by the Freedom of Expression Association since 2008, continues to regularly report on internet censorship in Turkey.
Within the scope of the project, blocks on websites, news, and social media content are monitored and conveyed to the public through up-to-date announcements.
Attempts to Open New Accounts
Many individuals and civil society organizations that have been subjected to access blocks have started opening new social media accounts in order to maintain their communication.
Individuals and institutions whose accounts were shut down continue their activities by announcing their newly opened accounts to their existing followers via social media posts.