Internet censorship in Turkey
14.2.2014
Question for written answer E-001692-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Nikolaos Salavrakos (EFD)
In adopting a law recently imposing stricter controls on the Internet, the Turkish government is undermining the right to unrestricted use of the Internet. This law further restricts freedom of expression and communication and the right of citizens to free access to information.
The new law allows the government authority responsible for telecommunications (TIB) to block any website at will, without the need for any judicial decision.
Given that 40 million Turkish households have access to the Internet, which makes it a key source of information, it is legitimate to ask whether this affects the right to freedom of expression and of the press — fundamental rights which form the basis of the rule of law.
In view of the above, will the Commission say:
- 1.What steps will it take to ensure that these moves by Turkey are condemned, so that it complies with the standards of the EU, to which it aspires to accede?
- 2.Will it be made clear that such anachronistic measures to censor and undermine freedom of the press and information will affect EU-Turkey relations and Turkey’s application for EU membership?
OJ C 305, 09/09/2014