Turkey

Revise or repeal current legal provisions that permit the blocking of online content And arrest citizens who practice freedom of expression rights.

The situation of freedom of expression and digital rights has worsened since the attempted coup in 2016 in this transcontinental country with a population of 84 million. Later in 2017 a referendum instituted a new presidential system of government in Türkiye, eliminating the role of prime minister and transferring all the power to the president. Journalists, political activists, minorities and civil society are under constant crackdown in Türkiye. Online platforms are under surveillance and political speeches can end in arrest and interrogations. Many social media platforms and media outlets are extensively blocked.

  • Households icon

    88%

    Households with internet access in 2021

  • Households icon

    81%

    Individuals using internet in 2021

  • Households icon

    20

    Fixed Broadband Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants in 2020

  • Households icon

    149/180

    Press Freedom Ranking in 2022

Upr cycle

Turkey was last reviewed in January 2025.

Digital Rights and Free Expression Recommendations

Cycle 1
02
13
Cycle 2
17
35
Cycle 3
15
41
Cycle 4

Resources

    Partner organisations

    Over a hundred local and international human rights organisations are part of the wider Uproar programme. You can find them listed here.