Whattpad now banned in Türkiye

Whattpad is one of the platforms I never used. But I know it is especially popular with some segments of society. Lack of clear reasoning adds salt to the insult—another shameful act.

Wattpad has been banned in Turkey. Here are the key details about this ban:

1. Timing and Authority:
   The ban was implemented on July 12, 2024, by the Ankara 10th Criminal Judge of Peace[1][4]. This makes Turkey the first country in the world to block access to this popular reading and writing platform[4][7].

2. Lack of Clear Reasoning:
   Interestingly, the court did not provide a specific reason for the ban. Prof. Yaman Akdeniz, a cyber-rights expert, noted that it’s unclear whether the platform was blocked to “protect children from harmful content” or to “protect public order”[1].

3. Scope of the Ban:
   The ban affects access to the entire Wattpad platform within Turkey. Wattpad is a Canadian-origin story-writing and reading platform with over 90 million monthly users globally[4][7].

4. Context of Internet Censorship in Turkey:
   This ban is not an isolated incident. Turkey has a history of restricting access to websites and online platforms:

– In 2022 alone, Turkey issued access bans to at least 137,717 websites[1].
– The government often blocks access to file-sharing sites, streaming services, and platforms that may contain content deemed illegal or offensive under Turkish law[5].

1. Reactions and Concerns:

– The ban has been criticized by freedom of expression advocates[10].
– PEN International has called on Turkish authorities to immediately lift the “arbitrary ban” on Wattpad and other websites[10].
– There are concerns about the impact on writers and readers who use the platform for creative expression and community building.

1. Bypassing the Ban:
   While not endorsed, some users might attempt to bypass the ban by using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). However, it’s worth noting that Turkey also actively blacklists known VPN services[5].

This ban on Wattpad represents Turkey’s ongoing efforts to control online content and platforms, raising continued concerns about the country’s internet freedom and freedom of expression.

Citations:
1. Duvar English – Turkey Bans Access to Story-Sharing Platform Wattpad
2. Twitter – İdil Galip on Wattpad Ban
3. Türkiye Today – Turkey Blocks Popular Reading and Writing Platform Wattpad
4. Turkish Minute – Turkey Bans Access to Social Storytelling Platform Wattpad
5. Comparitech – Blocked in Turkey
6. Webrazzi – Wattpad’e Erişim Engeli Getirildi
7. Good e-Reader – Turkey Bans Wattpad
8. Turkish Minute – Turkish Export to Israel Rise by 34.8%
9. Reddit – Wattpad Banned in Turkey
10. PEN International – Turkey: Lift Arbitrary Ban on Wattpad
11. Bianet – Turkey Becomes First Country to Ban Wattpad
12. Wattpad – Turkey Stories (New)
13. Wattpad – Turkey Stories (Hot)