Erdogan’s crusade on “harmful content” in social media gained new momentum on Wednesday, as the Ministry of Justice announced a total access ban to popular social media app Discord. The ban could be permanent, unlike the one slapped on Instagram, because Justice Minister Tunc claims the former is full of content discussing or focusing on sexual misconduct and child abuse.
According to pro-government Turkiye Today, Turkish authorities imposed restrictions on access to the popular messaging platform Discord early Wednesday, following ongoing discussions about the platform’s role in online bullying and blackmail involving minors.
The move comes as Türkiye grapples with rising concerns over the safety of social media platforms, particularly after reports surfaced suggesting that certain groups on Discord have been targeting children for grooming, blackmail, and cyberbullying. Some groups have allegedly used the “901” tag in their usernames to identify themselves, raising alarms among officials and parents alike.
Abdulkadir Uraloglu, Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, commented on the matter earlier this week, noting that while there were no immediate plans to block Discord entirely, the government was considering imposing regulatory barriers to ensure compliance with safety standards. Uraloglu emphasized that the goal was not to limit access to the platform, but to protect vulnerable users from potential abuse.
“We do not want to take a prohibitive stance, but we will not hesitate to use every authority necessary to protect our youth,” Uraloglu told Anadolu Agency. He highlighted that discussions with the Interior, Justice, and Family and Social Services Ministries had taken place over the weekend to assess the risks posed by Discord, adding that any final decision would be made after thorough consideration.
Discord faces scrutiny in Türkiye
Discord has come under intense scrutiny in Türkiye following a series of troubling incidents involving minors. Recently, messages surfaced praising a 19-year-old man who killed two women in a brutal attack, which were shared across social media platforms. The revelations have further intensified calls to take action against the messaging app, with a popular hashtag, #DiscordKapatılsın (close Discord), circulating on X (formerly Twitter), demanding its closure.
In addition, reports have surfaced that some Discord users, primarily targeting children and teenagers, have engaged in acts of blackmail and coercion, prompting calls for stricter regulations. Videos and messages circulating online have shown minors being blackmailed into providing money or engaging in self-harm, heightening public outcry.
The debate over Discord echoes a similar case earlier this year when Turkish authorities blocked access to Roblox, a gaming platform widely used by children and teenagers, after similar allegations of child abuse and grooming came to light.
What comes next for Discord in Türkiye?
As Turkish officials weigh their options, Uraloglu underscored that any action taken would be based on a balanced approach that takes both user safety and access into account. He reassured that the aim is to create a safer online environment, rather than impose unnecessary restrictions.
Discord has become a fundamental communication platform for crypto projects to engage with their community, facilitate collaboration and share insights. Banning Discord in Russia and Turkey would disrupt the critical communication channels of these projects, impairing their ability to operate effectively within the markets.
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