Turkey’s struggle with digital platforms continues. It began with an access ban on Instagram on August 2, followed by the closure of the popular children’s game Roblox under the guise of inappropriate content. These events caused significant concern among social media users and fueled debates. Recently, comments by Hüseyin Yayman, the Chairman of the TBMM Digital Platforms Committee on TikTok, have increased uncertainties about the platform’s future.
Yayman defined TikTok as a national security issue for Turkey. In his statements, he mentioned that the content on the platform is far from reality and bizarre, causing discomfort in society. Yayman emphasized that the committee did not take a definitive stance on this issue, but the attitude of the Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK) was decisive.
Seen as a National Security Threat
Moreover, Yayman stated that citizens he met in various cities across Turkey complained about TikTok and wanted the platform to be shut down. According to Yayman, TikTok has become an object of hatred among the people, and the platform follows a broadcasting policy that is not in line with the moral values of the society. This perception contributes to the view of the social media platform as a national security threat.
Addressing TikTok representatives and global network providers, Yayman emphasized that the platform’s content policies need to be aligned with Turkey’s values, morals, and traditions. He also stressed that TikTok’s community guidelines should conform to these values.
In light of these developments, users in Turkey are anxiously awaiting the future of social media platforms. It remains to be seen how a potential shutdown decision directed at TikTok would be received by users, following Instagram and Roblox. However, such actions are likely to be met with serious reactions from users.