Turkey Imposes Social Media Ban Amid Political Unrest
Turkey Imposes Social Media Ban: In September 2025, the Turkish government imposed a sweeping ban on major social media networks in the country, including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp. The move came after the main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), called for rallies and demonstrations in Istanbul, where police had earlier surrounded the party’s headquarters. Following this incident, government action on internet access has significantly impacted Turkey’s social and political environment, raising questions about freedom of expression online.
Background of Social Media Restrictions
Internet control has been a burning issue in Turkey for several years. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government has not only targeted journalists and media institutions but has also enacted strict laws to suppress dissent through social media. Internet laws introduced in 2020 and 2022 required social media companies to appoint local representatives. These laws also gave the government tools to throttle internet speed or impose temporary bans on platforms without a court order.
Recent Social Media Ban in Turkey
At the beginning of September 2025, police surrounded the CHP’s Istanbul office, prompting the opposition to call for large-scale rallies. To contain the political unrest, the Turkish government enforced a near-total clampdown on social media. Independent internet monitoring organisation NetBlocks confirmed that access to X, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and WhatsApp was severely restricted across multiple networks in Turkey. During this period, internet speed was drastically reduced, making it extremely difficult for people to access social platforms.
Technical and Legal Aspects
The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) in Turkey has the power to slow down or block social media access for up to 24 hours without court approval, citing threats to national security or public order. This authority is primarily used to suppress political uprisings and restrict demonstrators. In recent months, the government has also ordered thousands of social media accounts to be blocked, including those belonging to journalists, human rights activists, women’s organisations, and student groups.
Social and Political Impact
The ban has affected millions of Turkish citizens, as many rely on social media to raise their voices against the government and share news. Such restrictions on the internet severely undermine freedom of expression and disrupt the free flow of public communication. Critics see this as the extreme form of censorship that poses a threat to democracy. In contrast, the government claims the move is necessary to ensure political stability and public safety.
Role of Social Media Companies
Turkey has repeatedly pressured social media companies such as Meta, Twitter (now X), and TikTok to comply with government requests. These companies have been ordered to remove or restrict content regularly. While some directives were followed, others were resisted. Meta and several other firms have faced heavy fines for failing to fully comply with state orders. Meanwhile, Turkey’s digital surveillance and internet censorship continue to expand.
Key Updates
- Late Saturday night, following the blockade of the opposition party’s office, the government slowed down internet speed for social media platforms, a process known as “bandwidth throttling.”
- The ban can remain in effect for 24 hours; any extension requires court approval.
- Under Turkey’s “2020 Social Media Law,” the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) can restrict internet speed or block social media access for up to 24 hours without court permission.
- Similar restrictions have been imposed in Turkey during past political or social events, such as major bombings or government crackdowns on the opposition.
Conclusion
Turkey’s new social media ban raises serious questions about the democratic character of the country. In this era of government control and internet censorship, freedom of information faces a difficult struggle. The opposition and civil society see this move as an attack on free expression, while the government justifies it as a necessary measure to maintain security and order. This situation will prove decisive for both Turkey’s political future and public access to information.
Disclaimer
The information in this report is based on reliable sources and current developments. However, content derived from social media may contain errors or lack clarity. This article has been published solely for informational purposes and does not endorse or oppose any views or events mentioned herein. Readers are advised to verify details with official sources before making any decisions.
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