The Los Angeles Post
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: April 06, 2025
Today: April 06, 2025

Meta is fined by Turkey after refusing to restrict content on Facebook and Instagram

Meta-Community-Notes
April 02, 2025

Meta said it has been hit with a hefty fine for resisting Turkish government demands to limit content on Facebook and Instagram.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government has been trying to restrict opposition voices on social media after widespread protests erupted following the arrest of Istanbul's mayor, who's a key rival.

โ€œWe pushed back on requests from the Turkish government to restrict content that is clearly in the public interest, and have been fined by them as a consequence,โ€ the company said in a statement.

The social media company did not disclose the size of the fine, except to say it was โ€œsubstantialโ€ and did not provide any more details about the content in question. The Associated Press has approached the Turkish government for comment.

โ€œGovernment requests to restrict speech online alongside threats to shut down online services are severe and have a chilling effect on peopleโ€™s ability to express themselves,โ€ Meta said.

In recent years the Turkish government has increasingly sought to bring social media companies under its control. When protests erupted following the March 19 arrest of opposition Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, many social media platforms such as X, Instagram and Facebook were blocked.

More than 700 individual X accounts, including those belonging to journalists, media outlets, civil society organizations and student groups, were blocked, according to the Media and Law Studies Association. X said it would object.

Dozens have been arrested for social media posts deemed to be supporting the protests.

Share This

Popular

Business|Economy|Finance|Political|Stock Markets|US

US investors braced for more volatility, bumps ahead of Monday trading open

US investors braced for more volatility, bumps ahead of Monday trading open
Business|Economy|Finance|Political|Stock Markets|US

Trumpโ€™s team offers mixed messaging on tariff negotiation, downplays market volatility

Trumpโ€™s team offers mixed messaging on tariff negotiation, downplays market volatility
Business|Economy|Political|US|World

Trump advisers say 50-plus countries have reached out for tariff talks with White House

Trump advisers say 50-plus countries have reached out for tariff talks with White House
Business|Economy|Finance|Political|Stock Markets|US

Over 50 nations want to start trade talks with US after tariffs, Trump officials say

Over 50 nations want to start trade talks with US after tariffs, Trump officials say

Political

Crime|MidEast|Political|World

Hamas fires rockets at Israeli cities

Hamas fires rockets at Israeli cities
Health|MidEast|Political|World

Israeli strikes on Gaza kill 32, mostly women and children

Israeli strikes on Gaza kill 32, mostly women and children
MidEast|Political|US|World

Yemen's Houthis say US strikes kill 4 as Trump's bombing video suggests higher overall death toll

Yemen's Houthis say US strikes kill 4 as Trump's bombing video suggests higher overall death toll
Business|Economy|Finance|Political|Stock Markets|US

US investors braced for more volatility, bumps ahead of Monday trading open

US investors braced for more volatility, bumps ahead of Monday trading open

Access this article for free.

Already have an account? Sign In