Turkey blocks access to Voice of America's Turkish website

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A court has blocked access to the website of Voice of America's (VoA) Turkish service, citing the lack of a "broadcasting license."

The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) had applied to the Ankara 9th Penal Judgeship of Peace, claiming that VoA's website was engaging in broadcasting activities without obtaining the required license.

RTÜK has the authority to regulate television, radio, and online broadcasts in Turkey. Media organizations engaging in online broadcasts and streaming platforms must obtain a license from RTÜK to operate in the country.

The US State Department expressed concern over these developments and called on Turkey to respect freedom of expression.

This decision marks the second instance of an obstruction towards VoA's website. Previously, the website was blocked in June 2022. In response, the VoA Turkish service had changed its domain name to continue its operations in what is a common method used by media outlets to circumvent access bans.

On August 22, RTÜK gave VoA a 72-hour deadline to apply for a license to continue its operations.

The online broadcasting regulation

According to a regulation published in the Official Gazette in August 2019, media organizations engaged in online video broadcasting and streaming platforms fall under RTÜK's supervision.

According to the regulation, broadcasting organizations are required to obtain a license by paying a fee to operate in Turkey. They are also required to remove content deemed unsuitable by RTÜK.

Since the enactment of the regulation, RTÜK has fined several streaming platforms, including Netflix, Mubi and Disney+ for reasons such as "violating family principles" or "immorality" due to their depiction of LGBTI+ characters and sexual behavior.

On February 21, 2022, RTÜK demanded Voice of America (VOA), DW Türkçe, and Euronews Turkish apply for licenses to continue their broadcasts to Turkey.

Euronews removed video content from its site that required a broadcasting license. RTÜK later withdrew its decision regarding Euronews.

However, both Voice of America and DW Türkçe neither applied for a license nor removed their content. Consequently, on June 30, 2022, the Ankara 1st Penal Judgeship of Peace blocked access to both websites.

Both outlets changed their domain names to circumvent the bans and took the matter to the judiciary. The application submitted to the Constitutional Court regarding this issue has not been evaluated for a year. (AEK/VK)