Turkish president tweets YouTube ban disapproval

Turkish president tweets YouTube ban disapproval
President of Turkey Abdullah Gul has used his Twitter account to voice his disapproval for some web blocking practices carried out in the country. Google services such as YouTube are subject to blocks because of content posted by users and deemed offensive by Turkish authorities.

Turkey blocked YouTube in 2008 after videos surfaced describing Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, as a homosexual and an alcoholic. The country has been scrutinized by human rights watchdogs who urge it to reform restrictive Internet laws unexpected of a country seeking membership of the European Union.



The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) revealed earlier this year that Turkey is blocking some 3,700 Internet sites for arbitrary and political reasons. Turkey, however, maintains that websites are blocked for offenses that include child pornography, encouraging suicide or insults against Kemal Ataturk.

"I know there are lots of complaints about bans on YouTube and Google," President Gul said in a tweet. "I am definitely against them being closed down. I have ordered responsible institutions for a solution. I asked for a change in regulations on merit."

Whether Gul's stance on the issue will mean anything for Turkish Internet users remains to be seen as the office of President in the country is more or less symbolic, with real power being held by the Prime Minister.

Written by: James Delahunty @ 11 Jun 2010 23:04
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  • 3 comments
  • luckyo

    Is there ANYTHING that can't be sanctified and made "right and holy" by waving child porn-card?

    12.6.2010 12:17 #1

  • attar

    Kemal Ataturk was a forward looking Statesman.
    The current crop of politicos are religious bigots posing as defenders of democracy.

    12.6.2010 14:31 #2

  • IamAWESOME (unverified)

    I'm hoping the president Will do something. But what I don't get is that they make such a big deal over one guy. Now I'm an American and yet I'm also Turk, and yes I respect Ataturk, then again I also respect George Washington. He was our first president in the US and do we arrest people or ban YouTube for saying he looks like an alcoholic monkey, no we don't and Turkey should learn to respect people's freedom and right. There is a thing we people say "Don't like, don't look" but Turkey will never listen because they do it for there own, not for the cititzen,

    1.8.2010 19:00 #3

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