Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Turkey Abdulkadir Uraloğlu made important statements regarding the public debates regarding the Instagram ban. Sharing a video on social media, Minister Uraloğlu stated that the approach towards the Instagram platform, which has nearly 60 million users, has never been based on a prohibitive understanding. Uraloğlu emphasized that they have no intention of shutting down the platforms, but that the democratic approach shown as a country should be met with the same level of response.
Minister Uraloğlu made the following statement in his statement: “Our approach to the social media platform that we all use, which has nearly 60 million users in our country, has never been from a prohibitive perspective. We do not have an approach based on ‘We will shut down whatever they do or behave’. The point that should not be overlooked is that unfortunately, these platforms do not display the democratic approach that we, as a country, display.”
Uraloğlu added that they are in constant communication with the platforms and that their main wish is for these platforms to continue their activities. However, he stated that the necessary follow-up will be carried out on “catalog crimes” that concern the sensitivities of the society and the country.
Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin Also Spoken
Another name who made assessments regarding the Instagram ban and social media platforms was Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin. Tekin emphasized that children’s safety is of great importance in the digital age and stated that social media platforms play a serious role in children’s development.
Minister Tekin stated that social media hosts content that can negatively affect students’ social, academic and psychological development, and drew attention to the fact that popular platforms such as Instagram and Roblox in particular can cause digital addiction and uncontrolled content. Tekin emphasized that digital media platforms should respect universal law and responsibilities, and stated that uncontrolled content, which he called “digital fascism,” should be stopped together.