Web News - Protests against Internet law in Turkey
- 10 years ago
In this edition: Turkish web users protest against new Internet legislation; concerns over a social media drinking game; and a high-lining attempt between two hot air balloons.
PROTESTS AGAINST INTERNET LAW IN TURKEY
Turkish riot police fired water cannons and tear gas at demonstrators who retaliated by throwing fireworks and stones. Hundreds gathered in Istanbul on Saturday to protest against new legislation approved by parliament which will tighten government controls over the Internet.
Turkish web users have taken to social networks in their droves, posting under the hashtag "Internet Censorship in Turkey", condemning the measures as an assault on freedom of expression and access to information, The main concerns are that it gives a government agency the authority to block websites without seeking a court order first, and forces Internet providers to store web users` data for two years and make it available to the authorities.
Many feel the bill reflects the government`s unease over social media, which played a pivotal role in last year`s anti-government protests. But it also illustrates the authorities desire to stifle the government corruption scandal. There have been a number of online leaks over the past few weeks implicating government figures and allies. This recording posted to YouTube is allegedly a telephone conversation between the Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan`s daughter and a property developer, in which she is negotiating two villas in exchange for government favours.
The new laws mean the government will be able to block access to this type of document more quickly. The legislation has not yet been approved by the president Abdullah Gul, and critics of the bill are urging him not to ratify it.
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PROTESTS AGAINST INTERNET LAW IN TURKEY
Turkish riot police fired water cannons and tear gas at demonstrators who retaliated by throwing fireworks and stones. Hundreds gathered in Istanbul on Saturday to protest against new legislation approved by parliament which will tighten government controls over the Internet.
Turkish web users have taken to social networks in their droves, posting under the hashtag "Internet Censorship in Turkey", condemning the measures as an assault on freedom of expression and access to information, The main concerns are that it gives a government agency the authority to block websites without seeking a court order first, and forces Internet providers to store web users` data for two years and make it available to the authorities.
Many feel the bill reflects the government`s unease over social media, which played a pivotal role in last year`s anti-government protests. But it also illustrates the authorities desire to stifle the government corruption scandal. There have been a number of online leaks over the past few weeks implicating government figures and allies. This recording posted to YouTube is allegedly a telephone conversation between the Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan`s daughter and a property developer, in which she is negotiating two villas in exchange for government favours.
The new laws mean the government will be able to block access to this type of document more quickly. The legislation has not yet been approved by the president Abdullah Gul, and critics of the bill are urging him not to ratify it.
... Go on reading on our web site.
Visit our website:
http://www.france24.com
Like us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/FRANCE24.English
Follow us on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/France24_en