Human Rights Watch has recently denounced the Turkish government’s increased measures to censor internet content, describing these actions as a blatant violation of freedom of expression. This condemnation is supported by eighteen other human rights organizations, highlighting a trend of escalating internet restrictions in Türkiye.
In September 2026, the Freedom of Expression Association (İFÖD) reported that Türkiye geo-blocked approximately 1,270 accounts on the social media platform X—previously known as Twitter. These actions stood as part of a compliance rate of 90 percent with the government’s directives, which included blocking significant accounts such as those of İFÖD and EngelliWeb, a platform dedicated to documenting internet censorship in Türkiye. The legal framework supporting these actions is rooted in Law No. 5651, particularly Article 8/A, which has increasingly been used to issue immediate online content blockages or deletions.
Concurrently, Turkish authorities initiated the “My Family is Safe” investigation, targeting businesses and individuals allegedly involved in illegal activities, such as the distribution of obscene materials. This investigation has led to judicial proceedings against 162 suspects, as well as several businesses and associations, intensifying concerns over the use of legal instruments in curtailing expression.
This pattern of control is reminiscent of previous critiques by groups like Reporters Without Borders, which noted the targeting of journalists for their investigative reporting on politically sensitive issues, including allegations of Turkish intelligence involvement with jihadist groups in Syria. The media environment in Türkiye is further strained by the disinformation law enacted in 2022, enabling the prosecution of online voices, with penalties that can include up to three years of imprisonment.
The Media and Law Studies Association has, on occasion, challenged such legal measures. An application was recently filed with the Constitutional Court on behalf of journalist Tuğba Tekerek, arrested amid the “My Family is Safe” operation for allegedly managing an LGBTQ+ rights organization’s Instagram account. The Association has criticized the lack of disclosure of digital evidence against Tekerek, emphasizing deficiencies in presenting a fair legal case.
Furthermore, the European Court of Human Rights weighed in on Türkiye’s handling of free speech cases, ruling in August 2026 that the imprisonment of Mehmet Osman Kavala, a prominent human rights defender, was unlawful and a violation of his rights.
These developments underscore the growing scrutiny of Türkiye’s aggressive stance on controlling digital expression as seen in reports from organizations such as JURIST. Amid international criticism, the Turkish government’s use of its legal framework to curb internet freedom raises significant concerns about the broader implications for human rights within the country.