AKP Hatay MP Yayman: 'Games are a national security issue'

Hüseyin Yayman, Chairman of the Turkish Grand National Assembly's Digital Channels Commission, stated that the time children spend on online games should be restricted, arguing that this issue has become a matter of national security.

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AKP Hatay MP Yayman: 'Games are a national security issue'

Chairman of the Turkish Grand National Assembly's Digital Channels Commission and AKP Hatay MP Hüseyin Yayman stated that the time children spend playing computer games should be restricted. Yayman emphasized the negative effects of digital addiction and online gaming platforms on young people. Yayman said, “This is a very important, vital issue; because in Turkey, this gaming matter has turned into a national security problem, and at this point, we must protect our youth.”

Yayman stated that digital addiction threatens the future of young people and drew attention to examples from around the world.

He specifically noted that in school shootings in America, students who were members of online gaming platforms imitated the personas they had identified as heroes and turned to acts of violence.

Emphasizing that similar negative examples have occurred in Turkey, Yayman touched upon the importance of digital literacy and stated that the time children spend on computers should be restricted.

Yayman expressed that the digital world offers opportunities but also harbors threats. Stating that they are against all kinds of bans, Yayman said that Turkey's digital infrastructure is successful on a global scale. However, he noted that digital platforms must act in accordance with international law and adhere to ethical rules regarding the protection of children.

WILL ROBLOX BE REOPENED?

Addressing the public misconception regarding the court-ordered access ban on the online gaming platform Roblox, Yayman stated that whether the platform is opened or closed is determined by independent courts. Yayman stated that Turkey is an independent state governed by the rule of law and that the court decision regarding Roblox is currently in effect.

WE WILL TAKE THE NECESSARY MEASURES

Finally, Yayman responded to the question of whether access bans would be imposed on online gaming platforms. Yayman stated that it is unknown whether such measures are necessary, but that digital platforms have both benefits and harms. Expressing that the state will take the necessary measures against international digital companies, Yayman said that these platforms must comply with the rules and take steps to protect society.

News Source: 12punto