Intimidations of the media and interference on the right to receive and impart information have reached an alarming new stage in Turkey.<\/p>\n
The new amendments to the internet law will further undermine the media\u2019s ability to function by increasing censorship and surveillance in the country.<\/p>\n
Under the proposed legislation, The Ministry of Transportation, Maritime Affairs and Communication will have the authority to block an internet site within four hours.\u00a0 It can prevent access to the site or remove items deemed to be offensive.\u00a0 It can block keyword searches.<\/p>\n
Amendments force service providers to keep a record of user history for a minimum of two years and to make it available to the authorities if demanded. A new state-controlled union of service providers will be established.\u00a0 All of this will be possible without a judicial oversight.<\/p>\n
Turkey\u2019s Telecommunications Directorate (TIB) has already issued orders to the news outlets and to a member of parliament to take down items about the corruption allegations involving some members of the government.<\/p>\n
The OSCE\u2019s Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatovic\u00a0\u00a0 expressed concern that such measures could curb pluralistic discussion about issues of public importance.<\/p>\n
On Monday, the U.S.-based non-governmental organization, Freedom House released a report on corruption and media freedoms in Turkey. \u00a0The president of the organization, David Kramer said that there was no question these amendments would violate the European Convention on Human Rights.<\/p>\n
The European Court of Human Rights has already ruled against Turkey on various media freedom issues before.<\/p>\n
In Dink v.Turkey case, in 2010, the Court ruled that the states are required to create a favorable environment for participation in public debate for everyone and to enable the expression of ideas and opinions without fear.<\/p>\n
According to the Council of Europe, of which Turkey is a member, states have an obligation to create an enabling environment for freedom of expression and this includes the online communication.<\/p>\n
In addition, The Council of Europe\u2019s Committee of Ministers\u2019 recommendation, adopted on 21 September 2011, stated that States that are parties to the Convention have undertaken to secure the right to freedom of expression, which includes the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference. This right to freedom of expression applies to both online and offline activities, regardless of frontiers.\u00a0 In a Council of Europe context, its protection should be ensured in accordance with Article 10 of the Convention and the relevant case law of the European Court of Human Rights.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
The Council of Europe describes the Internet as an essential tool for participation and deliberation in political and other activities of public interest. As such, the state has an obligation not only to guarantee the freedom to have access to information but to make sure an accessible, affordable, secure, reliable internet service exists.<\/p>\n
If the proposed law is adopted, Turkey\u2019s record on fulfilling these obligations will be open to fresh scrutiny.<\/p>\n
A free and accessible internet is crucial for the effective functioning of the public administration and the economy.<\/p>\n
The president of T\u00dcS\u0130AD [Turkish Industrialists\u2019 and Businessmen\u2019s Association] was right to warn the government.\u00a0\u00a0 Global capital would not want to come to a country that does not ensure an open and universal Internet without integrity.<\/p>\n
In an interconnected world, it is not that straightforward to use the internet as a tool of oppression.<\/p>\n
The government in Turkey, once again, is failing to grasp the realities of today\u2019s world.<\/p>\n
Turkey\u2019s policy makers and their advisers may think that the modern communications is there to achieve better surveillance against their citizens and to counter their opponents.<\/p>\n
They are being naive if they believe the voices on the internet can bought or silenced as easily as the traditional media.<\/p>\n
This time, the Erdo\u011fan government may have bitten off more than they could chew.<\/p>\n
We may yet discover the meaning of \u201ccivil disobedience\u201d in Turkey.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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