Turkey blocks access to Instagram. It's in response to removal of posts on Hamas chief, reports say
Turkey blocks access to Instagram. It's in response to removal of posts on Hamas chief, reports say
Turkey’s communications authority has blocked access to the social media platform, Instagram. The Information and Communication Technologies Authority, which regulates the internet, did not provide a reason for the move on Friday.
Turkey’s communications authority blocked access to the social media platform Instagram on Friday, the latest instance of a clampdown on websites in the country.
The Information and Communication Technologies Authority, which regulates the internet, announced the decision early Friday but did not provide a reason.
Yeni Safak newspaper, which is close to the government, and other media said access was blocked in response to Instagram removing posts by Turkish users that expressed condolences over the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh.
…
Unlike its Western allies, Turkey does not consider Hamas to be a terror organization. A strong critic of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, Erdogan has described the group as “liberation fighters.”
So to avoid Instagram censoring posts they blocked all of Instagram
Fine. “ . . . access was blocked in response to Instagram removing posts by Turkish users . . “ Sure, yes, I said - Fine.
At this point, I am 100% on board with whatever we have to do to kill faceplant or the Instapot or whatever they are. Government decree, guerrilla action, meteor-from-space, snatching the phone out of grandma’s hands: whatever. Do it.
Haniyeh earned his Specially Designated Global Terrorist title on January 31, 2018. A company caught hosting terrorism-promoting content can face company-ending consequences. Executives have been sent to prison for turning a blind eye to doing business with sanctioned countries. Instagram was probably complying with these regulations.
Punishing Instagram for complying with the law puts Turkey into a precarious position. It's an open secret that they offer cheap rubber, steel, and other raw materials because they're willing to lie on forms and act as a conduit for Russia and Iran to bypass sanctions. Too much attention on sanctions programs and Turkey in the same sentence can potentially end that part of their economy, which they can't really afford right now.
Not a fan of Hamas or Erdogan but who is considered a terrorist and who is subject to sanctions is very arbitrary. Why is Netanjahu not considered a terrorist? Why are there no sanctions against Israel? We both know the answers, but the point is, in a rules for thee not for me kind of world who even cares anymore?
Fighters for the freedom of their land are not terrorists. Children murderers are.
Subjective, but not arbitrary. Here's the relevant sections of EO13224 (linked above):
...may designate foreign individuals or entities that he determines have committed, or pose a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the U.S.;
...
For the purpose of the Order, “terrorism” is defined to be an activity that (1) involves a violent act or an act dangerous to human life, property, or infrastructure; and (2) appears to be intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, kidnapping, or hostage-taking.
There are 8 US citizens still held hostage by Hamas in Gaza - which means they meet the criteria of both 1 and 2. That's without opening up any other accusations of terrorism.
Instagram's loss, Tiktok's gain.
If Instagram wants to make money in Turkey, it needs to comply with Turkish law. Which means Instagram can't censor content to support Nethenyahu's genocide.
I'm extremely unfamiliar with Turkish law. Is there an anti-censorship law like this? I would imagine it requires various carveouts for liability in case of actual law-breaking content, libel, etc.
My assumption that this was simple corruption where a private company compelled the government to take actions for their immediate benefit.
Hamas are fighters for the freedom of their land. Children murderers and genocide enablers are the real terrorists.
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