Turkey has lifted its block on Instagram after the platform agreed to address the country’s demands regarding content moderation and crime-related material. The block, which lasted just over a week, began on August 2 without an official explanation at the time. Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu announced the restoration of access on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
The blockage followed criticism from Turkey’s head of communications, Fahrettin Altun, who accused Instagram of censoring posts that offered condolences for Ismail Haniyeh, a Hamas leader recently killed.
Turkey Lifts Instagram Block After Platform Agrees to Content Moderation Changes
The Turkish government raised concerns about content related to catalog crimes, such as murder, sexual assault, drug trafficking, and torture. This issue, along with alleged censorship, led to the suspension of Instagram access in the country.
NetBlocks, an organization monitoring internet disruptions, reported the initial blocking of Instagram and confirmed that access was being restored on Saturday. The resolution came after negotiations between Instagram and Turkish authorities regarding content regulations and the platform’s role in moderating crime-related posts.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions between social media platforms and governments over content control and censorship. Turkey’s actions underscore the country’s strict stance on regulating online content, particularly in cases involving sensitive or controversial subjects.
