For the second consecutive day, Instagram remains inaccessible to users in Turkey, following government orders to block the social media platform over allegations of censorship. The move has sparked widespread outrage and debate over freedom of expression and government control of digital spaces.
The Turkish government ordered the blocking of Instagram on Monday, accusing the platform of censoring content critical of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his administration. The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) stated that the ban will remain in effect until Instagram complies with demands to restore the removed content and provide transparency on its moderation policies.
“Social media platforms must operate in accordance with our laws and respect the principles of free expression,” said Fahrettin Altun, the Turkish Presidential Communications Director. “We cannot allow foreign companies to dictate what our citizens can or cannot see.”
The ban has disrupted the daily lives of millions of Turkish Instagram users, including influencers, small business owners, and ordinary citizens who rely on the platform for communication, commerce, and entertainment. Many users have turned to VPNs to circumvent the block, while others have taken to alternative platforms to voice their frustration.
Prominent Turkish influencers and activists have condemned the government’s actions, describing the block as a blatant attempt to stifle dissent. “This is not about censorship by Instagram; this is about the government’s fear of free speech,” said human rights activist Eren Keskin. “We must resist these attempts to control our voices and our choices.”
International reactions to the block have been swift. Human rights organizations and digital rights advocates have criticized the Turkish government’s decision, calling it an attack on internet freedom. Amnesty International issued a statement urging Turkey to lift the ban and respect the rights of its citizens to access information and express their opinions freely.
The European Union also expressed concern, with a spokesperson for the European Commission stating, “We are closely monitoring the situation in Turkey. Blocking access to social media platforms undermines democratic principles and the right to freedom of expression.”
In response, Instagram’s parent company Meta has expressed its commitment to dialogue with Turkish authorities. “We are aware of the situation and are working to resolve it as quickly as possible,” a Meta spokesperson said. “Our goal is to ensure that our platform remains a space for free and open expression.”
As the block enters its second day, the Turkish government shows no signs of reversing its decision. The standoff between Ankara and Instagram underscores the broader tension between government control and digital freedom in Turkey, a country with a history of contentious relations with social media companies.
Observers are closely watching how this situation will unfold, as it could set a precedent for future interactions between the Turkish government and global tech companies. For now, Turkish Instagram users remain caught in the crossfire, navigating the challenges of a digital blackout in an increasingly interconnected world.
