New development in Instagram access ban: When will Instagram be unblocked?

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) blocked access to the social media platform Instagram as of August 2, citing its failure to comply with "catalog crimes."

There has not yet been an official statement regarding when Instagram will be accessible again. Users in Turkey are eagerly following updates on when the access restriction imposed on Instagram will be lifted.

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) was required to obtain a court order within 48 hours (the legal timeframe) regarding its access ban decision, which took effect as of 03:00 on the night of August 2, 2024.

Despite the legal deadline having passed, the access ban imposed on Instagram continues as of August 4.

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdülkadir Uraloğlu, in a statement regarding the matter yesterday (August 3), said, "Our friends are in contact with the relevant representatives in Turkey. Our sensitivities are clear, the shortcomings are clear; the moment they address those shortcomings, let's say 1 hour later, we will have lifted that restriction. This is an independent country; it has laws and rules, and we clearly want everyone to comply with these laws and rules."

Following Uraloğlu's statement, all eyes turned to META, but no statement has been issued by the company.

WHEN WILL INSTAGRAM BE UNBLOCKED?

Unless there is a change in policy, Instagram will remain inaccessible in Turkey.

Since the decision to shut down has been included under the scope of catalog crimes, the requirement for a court order has been eliminated.

When access to Instagram will be restored will be determined by the BTK.

WHAT ARE CATALOG CRIMES?

Catalog crimes involve difficulties in removing content such as sexual abuse of a child, incitement to suicide, and insults against Atatürk.