Eight independent Turkish news outlets have issued a joint open letter protesting Google’s algorithm changes, which they claim have drastically cut their traffic and pushed them toward financial collapse.
The signatories—Artı Gerçek, BirGün, Diken, Ekonomim, Gazete Pencere, Kısa Dalga, Medyascope, and T24—published their statement just a day after another independent news website, Gazete Duvar, announced it was shutting down due to economic hardships caused primarily by Google’s algorithm adjustments.
“Google’s Algorithm Is Silencing Independent Media”
“As independent media organizations operating in Turkey, we once again find ourselves confronting Google’s embargo on our reader traffic and its devastating consequences,” the outlets stated.
Since October 2024, they argue, Google Discover and News traffic has plummeted by up to 98%, wiping out key revenue streams and leaving many outlets financially crippled.
This drop in visibility, they claim, disproportionately affects independent media, making it harder for Turkish audiences to access uncensored news in an already restricted media landscape, where an estimated 90% of mainstream outlets are under government influence.
No Clear Explanation, No Communication
The media groups criticized Google’s lack of transparency and failure to provide a reasonable explanation for the dramatic traffic losses. They argue that Google’s unregulated control over news distribution is not just a business decision—it actively shapes which information reaches the public.
“The crisis facing independent media is a crisis for all citizens who want free access to information. More than that, it is a crisis for democracy.”
Google Denies Targeting Turkish Media
Google’s Danny Sullivan, an adviser in the search division, denied that the algorithm changes deliberately target Turkish independent outlets.
In an interview with T24, he stated:
- Google’s updates are applied globally, not regionally.
- The decline in traffic could be due to various ranking signals that Turkish outlets may not be meeting.
- The company is reviewing the impact and working to refine the system.
Call for Direct Access and Support
In response, the media outlets urged their readers to visit their websites directly instead of relying on Google. They also encouraged supporters to donate or subscribe, stressing that independent journalism in Turkey is at risk without public backing.
“We can only overcome these challenges through your support and solidarity.”
Turkey’s Declining Online Freedoms
The issue comes amid Turkey’s worsening internet freedom rankings. A 2024 Freedom House report classified Turkey as “not free,” giving it a 31/100 score—the lowest in Europe.
With increasing government restrictions on media, independent journalism in Turkey now faces dual pressure: political censorship and algorithmic invisibility.