Tech Desk
Aug 02, 2024
Turkey on Friday imposed a ban on access to Instagram, affecting both its website and mobile app, according to a statement from the country’s information technology regulator. The reason for the restriction and its expected duration were not disclosed by officials.
The ban follows recent criticisms by Fahrettin Altun, a Turkish communications official, who accused Instagram of blocking posts related to the death of Ismail Haniyeh, a senior figure in the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Altun condemned the platform for allegedly preventing users from sharing messages of condolence regarding Haniyeh's killing.
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"This is censorship, pure and simple," Altun, the communications director of the Turkish presidency, said on X, adding that Instagram had not cited any policy violations for its action.
There was no immediate comment from Instagram parent Meta Platforms Inc on either the ban or Altun's comments.
Turkey's Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK) published the August 2 decision on its website.
The social media blockade comes amid increasing scrutiny of digital platforms in Turkey, where government authorities have previously taken action against various online services. The Turkish government's response to Instagram’s actions highlights ongoing tensions between digital freedom and national regulatory policies.
