In a surprise move, Turkey has restricted access to Instagram, a popular social media platform, without providing a reason.
The country’s national communications authority, BTK, confirmed the blockage on its website, stating that “instagram.com has been blocked by a decision on the date of 02/08/2024”.
This development comes on the heels of accusations by a high-ranking Turkish official, Fahrettin Altun, that Instagram was censoring messages of condolence for a martyr. Altun, the Turkish presidency’s communications director, took to X to express his concerns, saying, “This is a very clear and obvious attempt at censure.”
The Speculator Index also confirmed the blockage, fueling speculation about the reasons behind the move. Turkey’s decision to restrict access to Instagram has raised eyebrows, particularly in light of the country’s history of censorship and online restrictions.
The blockage has left many Turkish citizens wondering about the motivations behind the move, with some expressing concerns about the impact on freedom of expression and access to information.
