Block of Wikipedia in Turkey: Difference between revisions

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'''Wikipedia was blocked in Turkey''' on 29 April 2017 by the Turkish authorities.<ref name=tb> {{citeweb|url=https://turkeyblocks.org/2017/04/29/wikipedia-blocked-turkey/|title=Wikipedia blocked in Turkey|publisher=Turkey Blocks|accessdate=29 April 2017}}</ref><ref name=BBC>{{citeweb|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-39754909|title=Turkish authorities block Wikipedia without giving reason|publisher=BBC News|date=29 April 2017|accessdate=29 April 2017}}</ref>
Wikipedia was blocked in Turkey on 29 April 2017 by Turkish authorities.<ref name=tb> {{citeweb|url=https://turkeyblocks.org/2017/04/29/wikipedia-blocked-turkey/|title=Wikipedia blocked in Turkey|publisher=Turkey Blocks|accessdate=29 April 2017}}</ref><ref name=BBC>{{citeweb|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-39754909|title=Turkish authorities block Wikipedia without giving reason|publisher=BBC News|date=29 April 2017|accessdate=29 April 2017}}</ref>


== Context ==
⚫
;Law No. 5651
⚫
[[Internet_regulation_in_Turkey#Internet_law|Law No. 5651]], known as the Internet Act (IA), was enacted on 4 May 2007.<ref name="WIPO LAW 5651">{{cite web|last=World Intellectual Property Organization|first=WIPO|title=Overview, Law N. 5651, Turkey|url=http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/details.jsp?id=11035|publisher=WIPO|accessdate=29 April 2017}}</ref>
⚫
The purpose of this law has been described by the PTC as follows: "There are 2 reasons for the law to be brought out. The first reason; determining the liability and the responsibility of collective use providers, access providers, location providers and content providers which are the main actors of the Internet. The other reason is to determine the procedures and fundamentals related to the specific crimes committed over the Internet and fighting these through content, location and access providers."<ref name="PTC REGULATIONS INTERNET">{{cite web|last=Presidency of Telecommunication, communication|first=PTC|title=Information about the regulations of the content of the Internet|url=http://m.tib.gov.tr/en/en-menu-47-information_about_the_regulations_of_the_content_of_the_internet.html|publisher=PTC|accessdate=22 March 2014}}</ref> More recently, the law has been used to censor individuals, journalists and the media.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cyber-rights.org/reports/internet_restricted_bw.pdf|title=Internet: restricted access- A critical assessment of Internet Content Regulation and Censorship in Turkey|last=Akdeniz|first=Y.|last2=Altiparmak|first2=K.|date=November 2008|website=cyber-rights.org|publisher=İnsan Hakları Ortak Platformu (IHOP)|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref> The [[European Council]]'s [[Venice Commission]] has found the law to be particularly controversial.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-AD(2016)011-e|title=OPINION ON LAW No. 5651 ON REGULATION OF PUBLICATIONS ON THE INTERNET AND COMBATING CRIMES COMMITTED BY MEANS OF SUCH PUBLICATION ("THE INTERNET LAW")|last=|first=|date=June 15, 2016|website=venice.coe.int|publisher=Venice Commission for Democracy thorugh Law, Council of Europe|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref>

⚫
;Politics and military
⚫
The block occurred 2 weeks after the April 16th [[2017 Turkish referendum|Turkish referendum]].

On Tuesday 25th, Turkey sent several airstrikes upon Syrian Kurds facilities in both Syria and Iraq (Sinjar). The SDF threatened to withdraw from [[Raqqa_campaign_(2016–present)|ongoing operation to capture Raqqa]] if the United States didn't take measures to stop [[Turkey]]'s airstrikes against the group.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nrttv.com/en/Details.aspx?Jimare=14156|title=YPG threatenes to withdraw from Raqqa ops amid Turkish attacks|date=28 April 2017|publisher=NRT TV|accessdate=28 April 2017}}</ref> Also, the US started patrolling the border along SDF troups in order to force ceasefire between US's two allies.

⚫
On April 26th, as part of the post-coup [[2016–17 Turkish purges]], 1009 police officiers were accused of being a secret Gulenist network within the turkish police force, and were detained.<ref name="nyt2017-04-26">Over 1,000 Police Officers Are Detained in Raids in Turkey https://nyti.ms/2q5RvG2</ref> 9100 policemen have been suspended<ref>http://www.lemonde.fr/proche-orient/article/2017/04/26/purges-en-turquie-plus-de-9-000-policiers-suspendus_5118231_3218.html</ref>


== Blockage ==
== Blockage ==
On the morning of 29 April 2017, following news from [[Turkey Blocks]] that all language versions of [[Wikipedia]] had been blocked in [[Turkey]],<ref name=tb/> several reports were published of the event. The [[BBC]] reported that the Turkish authorities had blocked all access to Wikipedia in the country from 8.00 GMT. No reason was given by Turkey's [[Information and Communication Technologies Authority]] which simply stated: "After technical analysis and legal consideration based on the Law Nr. 5651 [governing the internet], an administrative measure has been taken for this website."<ref name=BBC/> [[Voice of America]] reported that Turkish media had explained the blockage was a result of "terror-related content".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/monitors-turkey-blocks-access-to-wikipedia/3830869.html|title=Monitors: Turkey Blocks Access to Wikipedia|publisher=Voice of America|date=29 April 2017|accessdate=29 April 2017 |language=}}</ref> Referring to an email statement made by the Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications Ministry, Turkish News source Anadolu Agency reports that the blockage was due to its articles and comments showing Turkey in coordination and aligned with various terrorist groups. The ministry said, “Instead of coordinating against terrorism, it has become part of an information source which is running a smear campaign against Turkey in the international arena.”
On the morning of 29 April 2017, following news from [[Turkey Blocks]] that all language versions of [[Wikipedia]] had been blocked in [[Turkey]],<ref name=tb/> several reports were published of the event. The [[BBC]] reported that the Turkish authorities had blocked all access to Wikipedia in the country from 8.00 GMT. No reason was given by Turkey's [[Information and Communication Technologies Authority]] which simply stated: "After technical analysis and legal consideration based on the Law Nr. 5651 [governing the internet], an administrative measure has been taken for this website."<ref name=BBC/> [[Voice of America]] reported that Turkish media had explained the blockage was a result of "terror-related content".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/monitors-turkey-blocks-access-to-wikipedia/3830869.html|title=Monitors: Turkey Blocks Access to Wikipedia|publisher=Voice of America|date=29 April 2017|accessdate=29 April 2017 |language=}}</ref> Referring to an email statement made by the Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications Ministry, Turkish News source Anadolu Agency reports that the blockage was due to its articles and comments showing Turkey in coordination and aligned with various terrorist groups. The ministry said, "Instead of coordinating against terrorism, it has become part of an information source which is running a smear campaign against Turkey in the international arena."


Ankara warned it to remove the offending content but the nonprofit encyclopedia refused, it added.
Ankara warned it to remove the offending content but the nonprofit encyclopedia refused, it added.
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[[NDTV]] said that the move had caused strong reactions on the social media against the decision to deny access to "one of the world's most popular websites".<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/turkish-authorities-block-access-to-wikipedia-monitor-1687466|title=Turkish Authorities Block Access To Wikipedia: Monitor|publisher=NDTV|date=29 April 2017|accessdate=29 April 2017}}</ref>
[[NDTV]] said that the move had caused strong reactions on the social media against the decision to deny access to "one of the world's most popular websites".<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/turkish-authorities-block-access-to-wikipedia-monitor-1687466|title=Turkish Authorities Block Access To Wikipedia: Monitor|publisher=NDTV|date=29 April 2017|accessdate=29 April 2017}}</ref>


As of 29 April 2017 Wikipedia is readable but not editable with FreeWiki by Crypt.space in Turkey.<ref>[https://www.crypt.space/freewiki/ Freewiki]</ref> Users report that they can only access Wikipedia using tools such as, most commonly, [[VPN]]s.<ref name=dw1>{{cite web|title=Türkei blockiert Wikipedia-Zugang|url=http://www.dw.com/de/t%C3%BCrkei-blockiert-wikipedia-zugang/a-38637209|publisher=Deutsche Welle|accessdate=29 April 2017|language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Internet-Zensur unter Erdogan: Türkei blockiert Wikipedia|url=http://www.focus.de/politik/ausland/internet-zensur-unter-erdogan-tuerkische-regierung-blockiert-wikipedia_id_7051698.html|publisher=FOCUS Online|accessdate=29 April 2017|language=de}}</ref>
As of 29 April 2017 Wikipedia is readable but not editable by the [[mirror site]] FreeWiki by Crypt.space in Turkey.<ref>[https://www.crypt.space/freewiki/ Freewiki]</ref> Users report that they can only access Wikipedia using tools such as, most commonly, [[VPN]]s.<ref name=dw1>{{cite web|title=Türkei blockiert Wikipedia-Zugang|url=http://www.dw.com/de/t%C3%BCrkei-blockiert-wikipedia-zugang/a-38637209|publisher=Deutsche Welle|accessdate=29 April 2017|language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Internet-Zensur unter Erdogan: Türkei blockiert Wikipedia|url=http://www.focus.de/politik/ausland/internet-zensur-unter-erdogan-tuerkische-regierung-blockiert-wikipedia_id_7051698.html|publisher=FOCUS Online|accessdate=29 April 2017|language=de}}</ref>

== Background ==
⚫
===Law No. 5651===
⚫
[[Internet_regulation_in_Turkey#Internet_law|Law No. 5651]], known as the Internet Act (IA), was enacted on 4 May 2007.<ref name="WIPO LAW 5651">{{cite web|last=World Intellectual Property Organization|first=WIPO|title=Overview, Law N. 5651, Turkey|url=http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/details.jsp?id=11035|publisher=WIPO|accessdate=29 April 2017}}</ref>
⚫
The purpose of this law has been described by the PTC as follows: "There are 2 reasons for the law to be brought out. The first reason; determining the liability and the responsibility of collective use providers, access providers, location providers and content providers which are the main actors of the Internet. The other reason is to determine the procedures and fundamentals related to the specific crimes committed over the Internet and fighting these through content, location and access providers."<ref name="PTC REGULATIONS INTERNET">{{cite web|last=Presidency of Telecommunication, communication|first=PTC|title=Information about the regulations of the content of the Internet|url=http://m.tib.gov.tr/en/en-menu-47-information_about_the_regulations_of_the_content_of_the_internet.html|publisher=PTC|accessdate=22 March 2014}}</ref> More recently, the law has been used to censor individuals, journalists and the media.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cyber-rights.org/reports/internet_restricted_bw.pdf|title=Internet: restricted access- A critical assessment of Internet Content Regulation and Censorship in Turkey|last=Akdeniz|first=Y.|last2=Altiparmak|first2=K.|date=November 2008|website=cyber-rights.org|publisher=İnsan Hakları Ortak Platformu (IHOP)|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref> The [[European Council]]'s [[Venice Commission]] has found the law to be particularly controversial.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-AD(2016)011-e|title=OPINION ON LAW No. 5651 ON REGULATION OF PUBLICATIONS ON THE INTERNET AND COMBATING CRIMES COMMITTED BY MEANS OF SUCH PUBLICATION ("THE INTERNET LAW")|last=|first=|date=June 15, 2016|website=venice.coe.int|publisher=Venice Commission for Democracy thorugh Law, Council of Europe|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref>

⚫
===Politics and military===
⚫
The block occurred 2 weeks after the [[2017 Turkish referendum|April 16th Turkish referendum]].

On Tuesday 25th, Turkey sent several airstrikes upon Syrian Kurds facilities in both Syria and Iraq (Sinjar).

⚫
On April 26th, 1009 police officiers were accused of being a secret Gulenist network within the turkish police force, and were detained.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kingsley|first1=Patrick|title=Over 1,000 People Are Detained in Raids in Turkey|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/26/world/europe/turkey-1000-coup-gulen.html|publisher=The New York Times|accessdate=29 April 2017|date=26 April 2017}}</ref> 9100 policemen have been suspended<ref>http://www.lemonde.fr/proche-orient/article/2017/04/26/purges-en-turquie-plus-de-9-000-policiers-suspendus_5118231_3218.html</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==

Revision as of 23:23, 29 April 2017

Wikipedia was blocked in Turkey on 29 April 2017 by Turkish authorities.[1][2]

Blockage

On the morning of 29 April 2017, following news from Turkey Blocks that all language versions of Wikipedia had been blocked in Turkey,[1] several reports were published of the event. The BBC reported that the Turkish authorities had blocked all access to Wikipedia in the country from 8.00 GMT. No reason was given by Turkey's Information and Communication Technologies Authority which simply stated: "After technical analysis and legal consideration based on the Law Nr. 5651 [governing the internet], an administrative measure has been taken for this website."[2] Voice of America reported that Turkish media had explained the blockage was a result of "terror-related content".[3] Referring to an email statement made by the Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications Ministry, Turkish News source Anadolu Agency reports that the blockage was due to its articles and comments showing Turkey in coordination and aligned with various terrorist groups. The ministry said, "Instead of coordinating against terrorism, it has become part of an information source which is running a smear campaign against Turkey in the international arena."

Ankara warned it to remove the offending content but the nonprofit encyclopedia refused, it added.

It said the access ban would be lifted if Wikipedia meets Turkey’s demands.

Turkey has requested that such websites take such steps as having a representative in the country, complying with principles of international law, implementing court rulings, and not being part of any smear campaign or operation in Turkey.[4] NDTV said that the move had caused strong reactions on the social media against the decision to deny access to "one of the world's most popular websites".[5]

As of 29 April 2017 Wikipedia is readable but not editable by the mirror site FreeWiki by Crypt.space in Turkey.[6] Users report that they can only access Wikipedia using tools such as, most commonly, VPNs.[7][8]

Background

Law No. 5651

Law No. 5651, known as the Internet Act (IA), was enacted on 4 May 2007.[9] The purpose of this law has been described by the PTC as follows: "There are 2 reasons for the law to be brought out. The first reason; determining the liability and the responsibility of collective use providers, access providers, location providers and content providers which are the main actors of the Internet. The other reason is to determine the procedures and fundamentals related to the specific crimes committed over the Internet and fighting these through content, location and access providers."[10] More recently, the law has been used to censor individuals, journalists and the media.[11] The European Council's Venice Commission has found the law to be particularly controversial.[12]

Politics and military

The block occurred 2 weeks after the April 16th Turkish referendum.

On Tuesday 25th, Turkey sent several airstrikes upon Syrian Kurds facilities in both Syria and Iraq (Sinjar).

On April 26th, 1009 police officiers were accused of being a secret Gulenist network within the turkish police force, and were detained.[13] 9100 policemen have been suspended[14]

Reception

In a tweet Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales expressed his support for those critizing the decision as censorship, saying "Access to information is a fundamental human right. Turkish people I will always stand with you to fight for this right."[15][7] Republican People's Party parliamentarians Eren Erdem states that the ban puts "Turkey in line with North Korea", Baris Yarkadas calls it "censorship and a violation of the right to access information."[15][16] The Wikimedia Foundation which runs Wikipedia states that it's committed to keeping the site available in Turkey and that it's pushing for a "judicial review" of the decision.[17]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Wikipedia blocked in Turkey". Turkey Blocks. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
  2. ^ a b "Turkish authorities block Wikipedia without giving reason". BBC News. 29 April 2017. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
  3. ^ "Monitors: Turkey Blocks Access to Wikipedia". Voice of America. 29 April 2017. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
  4. ^ "Turkey: Wikipedia blocked for disregarding the law". Anadolu Agency. 29 April 2017. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
  5. ^ "Turkish Authorities Block Access To Wikipedia: Monitor". NDTV. 29 April 2017. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
  6. ^ Freewiki
  7. ^ a b "Türkei blockiert Wikipedia-Zugang" (in German). Deutsche Welle. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
  8. ^ "Internet-Zensur unter Erdogan: Türkei blockiert Wikipedia" (in German). FOCUS Online. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
  9. ^ World Intellectual Property Organization, WIPO. "Overview, Law N. 5651, Turkey". WIPO. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
  10. ^ Presidency of Telecommunication, communication, PTC. "Information about the regulations of the content of the Internet". PTC. Retrieved 22 March 2014.
  11. ^ Akdeniz, Y.; Altiparmak, K. (November 2008). "Internet: restricted access- A critical assessment of Internet Content Regulation and Censorship in Turkey" (PDF). cyber-rights.org. İnsan Hakları Ortak Platformu (IHOP). Retrieved April 29, 2017. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  12. ^ "OPINION ON LAW No. 5651 ON REGULATION OF PUBLICATIONS ON THE INTERNET AND COMBATING CRIMES COMMITTED BY MEANS OF SUCH PUBLICATION ("THE INTERNET LAW")". venice.coe.int. Venice Commission for Democracy thorugh Law, Council of Europe. June 15, 2016. Retrieved April 29, 2017. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  13. ^ Kingsley, Patrick (26 April 2017). "Over 1,000 People Are Detained in Raids in Turkey". The New York Times. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
  14. ^ http://www.lemonde.fr/proche-orient/article/2017/04/26/purges-en-turquie-plus-de-9-000-policiers-suspendus_5118231_3218.html
  15. ^ a b "Turkish court formally blocks access to Wikipedia". ABC News. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
  16. ^ Bilginsoy, Zeynep. "Access to Wikipedia blocked by government in Turkey". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
  17. ^ "Turkey blocks Wikipedia over an alleged 'smear campaign'". Engadget. Retrieved 29 April 2017.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Block_of_Wikipedia_in_Turkey&oldid=777890942"