Turkey presses the social media to open the national offices

In Turkey, the platforms of Twitter, Periscope and Pinterest are no longer allowed to be advertised. The Turkish information and communication watchdog imposed an advertising ban on companies under a new social media law, according to decisions published in the Turkish state gazette.

The new law requires companies to appoint a local Trade Representative. According to critics, the law is primarily intended to muzzle dissent. The law allows authorities to remove the contents of platforms, where it was previously only possible to block access. The change has caused great concern in the country, as many people have been focusing more on online platforms since Ankara earlier strengthened its grip on mainstream media.

Previously, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter were fined for not complying with the law. Companies that do not comply with the rules are severely restricted in their access to the network, thereby technically blocking access.

Facebook changed its mind on Monday with the appointment of a local representative. Also YouTube, part of Google mother Alphabet, decided earlier to appoint a representative in Turkey.