Turkey’s communications authority has blocked access to the social media platform, Instagram. The Information and Communication Technologies Authority, which regulates the internet, did not provide a reason for the move on Friday.

Turkey’s communications authority blocked access to the social media platform Instagram on Friday, the latest instance of a clampdown on websites in the country.

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority, which regulates the internet, announced the decision early Friday but did not provide a reason.

Yeni Safak newspaper, which is close to the government, and other media said access was blocked in response to Instagram removing posts by Turkish users that expressed condolences over the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh.

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Unlike its Western allies, Turkey does not consider Hamas to be a terror organization. A strong critic of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, Erdogan has described the group as “liberation fighters.”

  • steventhedev@lemmy.worldEnglish
    21·
    3 months ago

    Subjective, but not arbitrary. Here’s the relevant sections of EO13224 (linked above):

    …may designate foreign individuals or entities that he determines have committed, or pose a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the U.S.;

    …

    For the purpose of the Order, “terrorism” is defined to be an activity that (1) involves a violent act or an act dangerous to human life, property, or infrastructure; and (2) appears to be intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, kidnapping, or hostage-taking.

    There are 8 US citizens still held hostage by Hamas in Gaza - which means they meet the criteria of both 1 and 2. That’s without opening up any other accusations of terrorism.