Turkey has blocked access to Instagram for its 85 million residents, according to an announcement by the country’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority on Friday. The ban affects more than 50 million users of the photo-sharing app in Turkey.
Key Details:
Ban Details:
- Implementation Date: The ban was imposed on August 2, 2024.
- Reason for Ban: While the Turkish government did not officially state the reason for the block, reports suggest it is related to Instagram’s removal of posts concerning the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
Background on Haniyeh’s Death:
- Incident: Haniyeh, the head of Hamas’s political wing, was killed in a blast in Tehran. The incident occurred during his visit to attend the inauguration of Iran’s new president.
- Claims: Iranian officials and Hamas accuse Israel of orchestrating the assassination, though Israel has not commented on these allegations.
Government Response:
- Criticism of Instagram: Fahrettin Altun, Turkey’s head of presidential communications, criticized Instagram on X (formerly Twitter). He accused the platform of censoring posts that expressed condolences for Haniyeh’s death, calling it a form of censorship.
Turkey’s Stance on Hamas:
- Official Position: Unlike the U.S. and many Western nations, Turkey does not classify Hamas as a terrorist organization. The Turkish government has been critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza and supports Hamas as “liberation fighters.”
Current Status:
- Duration of Ban: The Turkish government has not indicated how long the Instagram block will remain in effect.
This action highlights ongoing tensions between Turkey and global tech companies over content moderation and freedom of speech.
