Turkey has blocked access to Instagram after criticizing the platform for deleting posts containing condolences over the death of a Hamas leader. The reasons and duration of the blocking are not specified.
Instagram blocking in Turkey
Unexpected access restriction
According to information provided by the local communications regulator, access to the popular social network Instagram has been restricted in Turkey. This was reported by Reuters.
This is what the social platform application looks like in Turkey. Image: Bloomberg No official explanation
The statement from Turkish authorities did not give specific reasons for the blockage, nor did it indicate the expected duration of the restrictions. However, it is worth noting that the day before, representatives of the Turkish government sharply criticized the social platform.
Background to the conflict
Fahrettin Altun, head of the communications department of the Turkish President, expressed dissatisfaction with the “unfair” removal of posts containing condolences in connection with the death of Ismail Ghaniya, a prominent Palestinian political figure and one of the leaders of the Hamas movement.
"This is clear censorship," Altun said on his Platform X account, emphasizing that Instagram had not provided an explanation for violations of the platform's rules that would justify such actions.
Meta's reaction and official decision
Meta, which owns Instagram, has so far refrained from commenting on the blocking and Altun's statements. The official decision to ban access to the social network was published on August 2 on the website of the Turkish Information Technology and Communications Authority.
Political Context
It is important to note that Turkey is critical of Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip and does not recognize Hamas terrorist organization. In the past, Turkish authorities have resorted to restricting access to popular social platforms during terrorist attacks and large-scale natural disasters, citing security concerns.
Glossary
- Instagram is a popular social network for sharing photos and videos
- Hamas - Palestinian Islamist movement that controls the Gaza Strip
- Ismail Ghaniya - Palestinian politician, one of the leaders of Hamas
- Meta - American technology company that owns Facebook and Instagram
- Reuters - international news agency
Links
Answers to questions
Why did Turkey block access to Instagram?
What is Turkey's position on Hamas?
How did the Turkish authorities explain their dissatisfaction with Instagram's actions?
What is the history of social media restrictions in Turkey?
How did Meta react to the blocking of Instagram in Turkey?
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Discussion of the topic – Türkiye blocks Instagram: Link to the murder of Hamas leader and censorship on social networks
Türkiye suddenly blocked access to Instagram without official explanation. The media linked this decision to the recent assassination of a Hamas leader and criticism of the platform for removing condolence posts.
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Sofia
Wow, Türkiye blocked Instagram! 😲 I wonder how long this will last and how it will affect users?
Hans
Yes, Sofia, this is a serious step. But honestly, I understand their frustration with censorship. Deleting posts with condolences is overkill, even if we are talking about a controversial figure.
Margot
I agree with Hans. Social networks should be a platform for free expression of opinions. But blocking an entire platform is too radical. Maybe we should start with a dialogue with Meta? 🤔
Diego
Guys, don’t you think that this may be related to more global political issues? Türkiye criticizes Israel's actions in Gaza. Perhaps this is a way to express your position on the international stage. 🌍
Victor
Oh, again these modern technologies and social networks! They only create problems. Previously, we lived without any Instagram and nothing, we communicated normally. And now because of some application there is an international scandal. Funny and sad.
Margot
Victor, I understand your dissatisfaction, but social networks are now an important tool for communication and obtaining information. The problem is not technology, but how it is used. 📱💬
Olena
But I’m thinking about ordinary users in Turkey. Many people do business through Instagram. What should they do now? 😟 I hope the government will offer some alternatives or this is a temporary measure.
Sofia
Olena raised an important question. Indeed, for many this is not just entertainment, but work. I wonder how long the blockage will last and whether people will look for workarounds? Nobody canceled VPN 😉