TikTok, which the US wants to ban on the grounds of “forcing data sharing and propaganda”, is also at the center of criticism in Turkey… So will TikTok be banned in Turkey? Hüseyin Yayman, Chairman of the Digital Media Commission of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, said, “There may be band narrowing, there may be economic sanctions, there may be a complete ban, all of them are on the table.”
TikTok, which the US wants to ban on the grounds of “forcing data sharing and propaganda”, is also the target of criticism in Turkey on issues ranging from disrupting the traditional family structure to child abuse and money laundering.
Hüseyin Yayman, chairman of the Turkish Grand National Assembly’s Digital Media Commission, previously said, “TikTok has become a national security issue. The posts here are neither in line with our traditions, social values nor universal morality. There is a serious reaction.” Does this answer mean that Tiktok will be banned? Fulya Soybaş, a columnist for Hürriyet Newspaper, asked Yayman, “Does this mean it can be banned? Yayman replied, “Of course we defend freedom of speech and opinion. We are against censorship and bans. But in the final analysis, public order must also be maintained. We all have children. It is essential that our children and the family are protected and that young people grow up with a healthy psyche. Digital media, especially TikTok, has turned into a platform where privacy has completely disappeared. Not to mention racism, violence against women, child abuse, marginalization and hate crimes. So, what do they do? They just talk. In Western European countries like Germany and France, they take precautions and follow the norms. Other algorithms are used there. But is there such a thing for Turkey? No. All talk, no action! Isn’t this a double standard? They should do what is necessary as soon as possible.”
“All options are on the table”
Pointing out that TikTok should immediately remove ‘harmful’, ‘obscene’ and similar content, taking into account the sensitivities of the society, Yayman said, “Of course they remove content, but it is not enough. In addition, the accounts of those who share such content should be suspended, and this blocking should be announced so that others do not produce similar content. Whenever we sit at the table, we talk about these things, we get promises, but it seems that they don’t keep their promises. Because it doesn’t suit them. This situation is not going anywhere good. There may be band narrowing, there may be economic sanctions, there may be a complete ban, it’s all on the table.”
