Parliamentary Commission Chair announces! Is TikTok being banned?

The TBMM Digital Channels Commission met under the chairmanship of AKP Hatay Deputy Hüseyin Yayman to discuss, primarily, the latest developments on the digital agenda.

Commission Chair Yayman drew attention to the dangers of trolling on social media. Yayman stated that, unfortunately, we are facing the danger of trolling not only in the field of journalism but also in politics and every aspect of life.

Yayman said that this is neither a manageable, nor a sustainable, nor an acceptable situation.

WHAT WILL BE THE FATE OF TIKTOK?

Yayman spoke about the latest developments regarding TikTok, one of the social media platforms.

Stating, "They came to our commission in December, we listened to the representatives; very important, fundamental questions were asked here," Yayman said the following:

"The Director of Public Policy said, 'We will answer some of these questions verbally, and some in writing.' We said, 'Fine, that's okay.' However, the answers received are neither convincing nor satisfactory. Nor do they correspond to the questions asked. There are very serious criticisms, especially regarding content sharing on this platform. They are coming to you too, so we are facing a situation where the truth can no longer be hidden.

Ultimately, as members of parliament, we all defend freedom of speech and freedom of thought. We are all against censorship and bans. However, in the final analysis, public order must be maintained. We all have children. Children need to be protected, the family needs to be protected, and young people need to grow up with a healthier mental structure.

Personally, and as our commission, we are already against bans, but in the final analysis, our commission needs to do something about this issue. I would like to submit this to the discretion and discussion of our commission. They are banning TikTok in America. We are against bans, but in Turkey, this matter will eventually lead to a ban. Because, unfortunately, there is a relationship here where we can never make progress with words, advice, or requests."

HE INVITED X TO OPEN A REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE

Yayman said, "We want to address all digital networks once again under the roof of the TBMM. No one is untouchable, and no one can see themselves above the legislative, judicial, or executive branches. No one can see themselves above the laws and the legal system of the country they are in. Just as you carry out your work by cooperating in countries like Canada, France, England, Austria, and Denmark, you must comply with the law and regulations here as well. These issues have been discussed a lot; I am saying this for the last time.

We are calling on X once again: either you will come to Turkey, or you will face the consequences. You said, 'We will open a representative office,' but this remained just words. Then ownership changed, a new orientation process began, and we find this reasonable, but we do not accept X seeing itself this way while all other social networks come here to explain their ideas, their thoughts on Turkey, and what they want to do in Turkey," he stated.