The Freedom of Internet in Turkey

Internet is probably one of the greatest inventions ever as it has abolished the concept of distance and thus provided a non-stop flow of communication and information regardless what the distance is.

On the other hand it has also brought about some evil aspects to originate from evil use only and concerned establishments have so far not been able to cope with this negativity, in a satisfactory manner.

However when we consider the positive aspects like information flow, educational opportunities and the benefits it has added to the global economy it would not only be unfair but it would also be unclever to deny its great contribution to our lives.

Super powers on the political arena as well as governments seem to be disturbed by the fast and detailed flow of information however as has been the case in Wikileaks event. These would certainly love to have the opportunity to have total control of the internet to decide what to let flow and what not to as can be observed from measures they pursue to take on specific occasions, as is the case in Turkey currently.

Although the AKP government currently in power have made a very strong statement that they are to establish true democracy in Turkey and have taken many measures such as restructuring judiciary etc, to put their programme into application, much criticized recent arrests of journalists and detainment of some convicted military and military personnel for excessively long periods have prevented the government
from enjoying the support they hoped to get from all  concerned parties, official bodies in the EU to be in the first place.

In February 2011, The Board for Information Technologies and Communication (BTK) approved a draft as to “Rules for Secure Usage of the Internet” which is planned by the government to cover not only internet cafes (as in the past), but all internet users, including homes as well.

According to the decision taken by BTK each internet user will have to be a member for one of 4 types of packages, namely “family, children, domestic or standard package”. People not registered for a certain package will be treated as standard package member.

Based on the decree, sites to be filtered for each package will be determined by BTK separately and service providers will be responsible to take every measure to ensure breach of these restrictions.

Experts comment that the authority is trying to establish the framework to put into application a news blackout and maintain. Although it is introduced as a “Safe” internet package,  in reality it is meant to serve as a censorship system, under the name “system for protection of users”.

Filter systems are not new for the sector. However, a government focused system, covering and binding all users has not been practiced in EU before. EU and the European Commission maintain that it would not be acceptable for  impose a government centered filtering system to protect the children.

It would be admissable for families or administrations to use a fitring system at homes and schools, in internet cafes. However a system to force everybody to use a standard (dictated) system could not be verified.

This force majeure situtaion would certainly be considered as a threat to freedom of communication. Therefore we hope the authority reviews its decision before putting said regulation into practice to avoid any unpleasant results in the future.

EDITOR
BUSINESS TURKEY TODAY