Last week, we heard that a Turkish court had decided that the ban on YouTube in Turkey should be removed, although a total of 15 videos would remain banned in Turkey.
That decision has now apparently been reversed, and it would appear that Google is now taking the matter up with the Turkish courts.
According to Hurriyet Daily News, Google has filed an individual complaint with the Turkish Constitutional Court regarding the ban.
Google’s lawyer in Turkey, Gönenç Gürkaynak, has also appealed the local court decision to reverse the earlier ruling which lifted the ban on YouTube in Turkey last week.
The lawyer also appealed to a local court decision which reversed an earlier ruling that lifted a ban on YouTube on April 5. The Gölbaşı Criminal Court of First Instance said the ban would continue until the “criminal content” was removed.
Gürkaynak previously represented Twitter during talks with the Turkish government after access to the micro-blogging site was blocked.
Background of the YouTube Ban in Turkey
The YouTube ban in Turkey has been a contentious issue for several years. The initial ban was imposed in 2007 due to videos that were deemed insulting to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. Over the years, the ban has been lifted and reimposed multiple times, often in response to specific content that the Turkish government finds objectionable. The most recent ban, which Google is contesting, was put in place due to videos that the government claims contain “criminal content.”
The Turkish government has a history of blocking access to social media platforms and websites that it believes threaten national security or public order. In addition to YouTube, Twitter and Facebook have also faced temporary bans in the country. These actions have drawn criticism from both domestic and international observers who argue that such measures infringe on freedom of speech and access to information.
Google’s Legal Battle and Implications
Google’s decision to file a complaint with the Turkish Constitutional Court is a significant step in its ongoing battle to lift the YouTube ban. The company argues that the ban not only restricts freedom of expression but also hampers the ability of Turkish citizens to access information and communicate freely. This legal battle is not just about YouTube; it has broader implications for internet freedom in Turkey and potentially other countries with similar issues.
The involvement of Gönenç Gürkaynak, a prominent lawyer who previously represented Twitter, underscores the seriousness of the situation. Gürkaynak’s experience in dealing with the Turkish government on matters of internet censorship could be crucial in navigating the complex legal landscape. His previous success in negotiating the unblocking of Twitter may offer some hope for a positive resolution in the YouTube case.
As yet, there is no news on what will happen between Google and the Turkish courts, although Google recently told Engadget that it was “obviously very disappointing” that YouTube is still being censored in Turkey. The outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, both in Turkey and globally.
The situation remains fluid, and it is unclear how long the legal proceedings will take or what the final outcome will be. However, the case has already attracted significant attention and could serve as a catalyst for broader discussions about internet freedom and censorship.
Source PCWorld, Engadget
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