Turkey has reinstated access to Instagram after more than a week of being blocked nationwide. The Information and Communication Technologies Authority had barred access to the social media platform on August 2 without providing a specific reason. Government officials later stated that the ban was imposed because Instagram failed to comply with Turkish laws.
In a statement on social media, Turkey's transportation and infrastructure minister mentioned that in discussions with Instagram officials, assurances were given that requests related to criminal activity would be met. There was also a promise to collaborate on implementing measures to censor users. The minister emphasized the importance of establishing compliance with Turkish law and ensuring quick and effective intervention in cases of law violations.
It was further highlighted that accounts owned by organizations deemed as 'terrorist,' such as the PKK, PYD, and FETO, would be banned. Content promoting these organizations would also be removed. The PKK, known as the Kurdistan Workers Party, has been engaged in a prolonged insurgency within Turkey with the aim of establishing an autonomous region in southeastern Turkey. The PYD, a Syrian Kurdish political organization, is claimed by Turkish officials to be linked to the PKK. FETO, led by Fethullah Gulen, is accused by the government of orchestrating a failed coup attempt in 2016.
Instagram boasts over 57 million users in Turkey, a country with a population of 85 million, according to We Are Social Media, a digital marketing news company based in New York. The Electronic Commerce Operators’ Association estimates that Instagram and other social media platforms generate approximately 930 million Turkish lira ($27 million) worth of e-commerce per day.
