All-knowing Turkish authorities banned Discord

Since fixing social decline is harder, they chose the easiest option. They could not stop leaking the data they collected from citizens. Censorship!

Now i will have to find a new venue for my classes’ communications and use VPN to reach many AI companies’ servers there.

Yes, Turkey has banned access to Discord[1][2][3]. The ban was implemented on October 9, 2024, following a court decision in Ankara[2][4].

Reasons for the Ban

The Turkish government cited several concerns that led to the ban:

1. Child safety: The primary reason given was the protection of children from sexual abuse and obscenity[2][4]. Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç stated that there was “sufficient suspicion” of crimes related to child sexual abuse being committed on the platform[1].

2. Public outrage: The ban came after public anger over the murder of two women by a 19-year-old man. Some Discord users were reportedly praising the killings, which led to backlash against certain communities on the platform[1].

3. Cyberbullying and harassment: There were allegations that Discord was being used for online harassment and blackmail, particularly targeting minors[2][5].

Government Response

Turkish officials have made several statements regarding the ban:

• Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç emphasized the government’s determination to protect youth and children from harmful online content[1][4].
• The ban was imposed by an Ankara court upon request from the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office[2].
• Turkey’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) announced the ban on its website[2].

Context and Implications

This ban is not unprecedented in Turkey, as the country has previously blocked access to other social media platforms and websites[2]. The decision to ban Discord follows similar actions taken against platforms like X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram in recent years[2].

The ban on Discord in Turkey coincides with increased global scrutiny of social media platforms regarding online safety, particularly for minors. This action reflects a broader trend of governments taking more aggressive steps to regulate online spaces in response to perceived threats to public safety and social order[4][5].

Citations:
1. Investing – Turkey Blocks Instant Messaging Platform Discord
2. Turkish Minute – Access to Discord Banned in Turkey Over Child Safety Concerns
3. Duvar English – Turkey Blocks Access to Discord
4. Benzinga – Erdoğan’s Justice Minister Speaks on Discord Ban in Turkey
5. Bianet – Turkey Considers Banning Discord Amid Child Abuse, Cyberbullying Allegations
6. Reuters – Turkey Blocks Instant Messaging Platform Discord
7. BNN Bloomberg – Turkey Blocks Access to Discord Over Child Safety Concerns