Turkey’s latest attempt at online censorship has backfired
Newly blocked sites may be “more popular now than before”
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In a time where internet users know how to use security tools likeVPNsand theTor browserto bypass censorship, banning a news site might end up generating opposite outcomes - the censored platforms could even acquire more popularity as a result.
This seems happening now in Turkey. Following the news that Turkish authorities blocked German broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) on June 30 amid licensing issues, the search for the site has skyrocketed among citizens.
“DW will probably be more popular now than before the blocking, which is easy to circumvent,” tweeted DW Internet Freedom Specialist Oliver Linow.
Those who did not know @DeutscheWelle in #Turkey before may know it now. On the 30 June, Turkey had DW’s website blocked. Google search queries in Turkey rose sharply immediately. DW will probably be more popular now than before the blocking, which is easy to circumvent. pic.twitter.com/TSsh6NI4UrJuly 2, 2022
DW was not the only victim of the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) - the government’s telecommunications regulator - though. Voice of America (VOA), the US Agency for Global Media’s news outlet, has also been censored for not complying with the new broadcasting requirements.
VOA Acting Director Yolanda Lópezexpressed her oppositionagainst RTÜK’s effort ‘to censor unfavorable press coverage’. At the same time, she told readers that: “Through circumvention tools and other means, VOA will not be deterred.”
Why is Turkey censoring news site ?
In anofficial statement, the Turkish regulator explained that the block of DW and VOA was required by law as they failed to apply for the necessary broadcaster license. In February, both DW and VOA were indeed ordered to comply with the requirement to keep operating in the country.
Even though RTÜK claims to be ‘in favor of pluralism, free press, and free reporting by media organizations’, international news outlets have vocalized their concerns for the country’s media freedom.
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In Turkey, 90% of national media is now under government control, according toReporters Without Border.
DW Director General Peter Limbourg said it has decided not to comply for fear that such a license wouldallow the Turkish government to censorits content.
“Media licensed in Turkey are required to delete online content that RTUK interprets as inappropriate. This is simply unacceptable for an independent broadcaster,” he said, saying that DW will now take legal action against the blocking.
In addition, the Committee to Protect Journalists' Europe and Central Asia program coordinatorGulnoza Said condemned the move, calling the media watchdog to reverse the ban. “Turkish authorities’ censorship of the international broadcasters Voice of America and Deutsche Welle is the latest attempt to silence critical media as the country prepares to hold elections next year,” she said.
How a VPN can help
Using one of thebest VPNservices can allow users to access censored sites at ease. How? A VPN is a security tool that hides your realIP address, while securing your data in transit inside anencrypted tunnel.
People in Turkey will then be able to trick their ISP to think that they are in a completely different location to browse through all the banned sites and protect their online activities.
With more than 245,000 websites blocked between 2014 and 2018 only, a law regulating social media platforms and the controversial disinformation bill on the way, people living or simply visiting the Anatolian Peninsula may want to consider a goodTurkey VPNto escape strict censorship and invasive surveillance practices.
When it comes to choosing the best service, make sure to look for tight encryption, extra security features and reliable geo-blocking abilities. Our #1 recommendation isExpressVPNthat you can try risk-free with its 30-day money back guarantee.
Chiara is a multimedia journalist committed to covering stories to help promote the rights and denounce the abuses of the digital side of life—wherever cybersecurity, markets and politics tangle up.She mainly writes news, interviews and analysis on data privacy, online censorship, digital rights, cybercrime, and security software, with a special focus on VPNs, for TechRadar Pro, TechRadar and Tom’s Guide. Got a story, tip-off or something tech-interesting to say? Reach out to chiara.castro@futurenet.com
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