The Turkish Parliament approved a new law giving the Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) the authority to regulate all kinds of internet broadcasting.
According to the new legislation, all broadcasters that want to provide radio, television, and other types of broadcasting services on the internet will have to obtain a licence from RTÜK, while broadcasters on other platforms will also require a transmission authorisation from RTÜK for their internet broadcasts. Previously, RTÜK licensing and regulation was necessary only for conventional radio and television broadcasters.
RTÜK will be able to file a legal complaint to demand to block access to broadcasters which do not have licence or authorisation or whose licence or authorisation have been cancelled. The courts will have to decide on RTÜK’s application within 24 hours.
The details of the legislation will be set via a directive to be issued by RTÜK in the following six months.
The new legislation is widely criticised as it is expected to further the suppression on the freedom of expression and press, while the government backs the new regulation saying its aim is to ensure conformity of internet broadcasts to the values of the country and its moral codes. (EVRENSEL DAILY)
Bülent Falakaoğlu
Hakkı Özdal
