What was discussed with META during the 9-day Instagram ban? Abdulkadir Uraloğlu reveals for the first time

Instagram, which was blocked on August 2 by a decision of the BTK, was reopened for access in Turkey on August 10 following statements by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.

The 9-day Instagram ban caused significant public backlash. Many businesses, particularly those selling via e-commerce, suffered economic losses.

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu made statements regarding the negotiations held with META during the 9-day Instagram ban process.

Speaking to Mynet, Uraloğlu stated that he is in favor of social media platforms continuing their operations, arguing that they do not have a restrictive mindset.

Uraloğlu's statements are as follows:

"Unfortunately, malicious individuals share false information on almost every subject through such platforms, highlighting the negative function of social media channels. Some social media platforms are now in a position that seriously harms society, individuals, families, and children.

At this point, these platforms have ceased to be a matter of freedom of expression and have turned into a space of negative freedom where personal rights and the right to privacy are violated.

Of course, we have no words for those who use the right to express themselves on social media within the framework of the law. We are definitely in favor of social media platforms continuing their operations and we are never in a restrictive mindset. But from the very beginning, we have asked social media platforms to respect the laws of the Republic of Turkey.

At this point, we took a precautionary decision to block access on August 2 because the content subject to publications for which there was sufficient suspicion of containing catalog crimes was not removed despite us notifying Meta Platforms.

We lifted the access ban on August 10 following our meetings with the social network provider. In our meetings, we first asked them to immediately fulfill the requirements of the decisions made within the scope of the catalog crimes included in Article 8 of Law No. 5651, which was the subject of the Instagram access ban.

Furthermore, we issued warnings regarding the necessity for them to show the required sensitivity in the process of compliance with legislation, including obligations specific to social network providers in the law, to take proactive measures on their platforms to prevent terrorist content, and regarding interventions against the fundamental rights and freedoms of their users in Turkey.

As a result of intensive negotiations with Instagram officials during the 9-day access ban, we agreed on issues such as meeting our demands, especially within the framework of catalog crimes, and working together on the censorship imposed on users.

We have reached a certain stage during these negotiations. There will be a visit to Turkey by senior executives in the near future, and our negotiations are continuing. We are following it closely. All social media platforms now know that Turkey is very determined on this issue.

'THERE ARE COUNTRIES TAKING SERIOUS MEASURES FOR CHILDREN'S GAMES'

We cannot allow social media to turn into a threat area for anyone. Look, there are countries that take serious measures regarding everything from children's games to other social media platforms. In fact, in some states in the US, measures such as children under 16 accessing social media with parental consent are being discussed.

At this point, we believe that after taking measures to reduce the negative effects of every channel of social media, including children's games, the positive and beneficial aspects of social media will become more meaningful and visible.

MINISTER URALOĞLU: EVERYONE WILL TAKE POSITION!

Let no one have any doubt that steps are being taken regarding these as well. When necessary, we can implement all kinds of sanctions and procedures, such as banning advertising, reducing access speed, and finally blocking access. Everyone will take their position accordingly.