Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK) has implemented a surprise move by blocking access to the popular social media platform Instagram in Turkey. With 57 million active users, Turkey is the fifth largest Instagram user base in the world. This access block not only affects social interaction but also significantly impacts the economy.
10% of Total Trade in Turkey is Conducted Through Social Media
Instagram is a significant trading platform for many individuals and businesses. Among users, it’s not only a site for photo sharing and social interaction, but also a venue for substantial e-commerce activity. According to Emre Ekmekci, Vice President of the Electronic Commerce Operators Association (ETID), 10% of all e-commerce in Turkey is conducted via social media, equating to about 930 million TL daily. With the contributions of influencers, this figure can reach up to 1.9 billion TL.
Ekmekci states that Turkey aims to reach a total e-commerce volume of 3.4 trillion TL by the end of the year. However, the removal of a significant channel like Instagram could pose a major obstacle to achieving these targets. Considering the business models, investments, and economic activities on the platform, the negative effects of such an access block could be substantial. This situation could lead to revenue losses for existing businesses and a decrease in potential opportunities.