Turkey blocks access to Instagram from within the country, claiming it was restricting posts about the killing of a top Hamas leader



On August 2, 2024, the Turkish government announced that it had blocked access to Instagram for failing to comply with the country's 'laws and regulations.'

Türkiye blocks Instagram amid controversy - Türkiye Today

https://www.turkiyetoday.com/turkiye/turkiye-blocks-instagram-amid-controversy-35243/



Turkey blocks access to Instagram for failure to comply with laws | Reuters

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-blocks-access-instagram-platform-gives-no-reason-2024-08-02/

Turkey Blocks Instagram Amid Hamas 'Censorship' Row - Bloomberg
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-08-02/turkey-blocks-instagram-claims-hamas-condolences-censored

Bangladesh Bans WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube And TikTok: Report - News18
https://www.news18.com/world/bangladesh-bans-whatsapp-instagram-youtube-and-tiktok-report-8988463.html

Turkey has taken a pro-Hamas stance in the fighting between the Israeli Defense Forces and the armed group Hamas in the Gaza Strip , Palestine, which has been ongoing since 2023. When Ismail Haniyeh, a top Hamas leader, was killed in July 2024, the Turkish government expressed its condolences for Haniyeh and declared August 3, 2024, 'Day of Mourning for the Death of Haniyeh,' with flags being flown at half-mast.

However, Instagram has restricted posts related to Haniya's death, with Turkish government spokesman Fahrettin Altun saying, 'Instagram is deliberately preventing people from posting messages of condolence over the death of Hamas leader Haniya.' 'This is a clear and blatant act of censorship. We will continue to advocate for freedom of expression against a platform that promotes global exploitation and injustice.'




Additionally, Turkey's Communications and Information Technology Authority (BTK) has taken measures to block access to Instagram.com from August 2, 2024.



According to foreign media outlet Bloomberg, when users access Instagram in Turkey, new content does not appear and an error message is displayed.



'We have warned Instagram about certain violations. We will actively intervene if Instagram ignores legal rules and public sensitivities,' Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Ularoglu said in a statement. 'We are in contact with Instagram and will remove the block as soon as they comply with our requests. There are laws and regulations in this country.'

Instagram's parent company, Meta, has not commented on the move.

Following the Turkish government's measures, the Bangladesh government is also implementing similar measures, restricting access to apps such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and WhatsApp from August 2, 2024.




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