Tuesday, January 09, 2007

According to a Turkish newspaper, new restrictions are to be vigorously
introduced by Turkish authorities against 'indecent broadcasting and online
gambling'. The new amendment to the existing censorship laws, Article 301 of
the Penal Code, will see the Information Technology Security Agency, censor
and block offending websites in the hope of contravening offending websites
that are 'denigrating Turkishness, the republic, the institutions and organs
of the state.' The Turkish newspaper Yeni Safak reports that where people
have up until now enjoyed the freedom of expression on the Internet, they
will now face considerable censorship. As well as targeting online gambling,
the bill is being drawn up to combat child abuse and indecent broadcasting
and legal action is expected to be taken against site owners imminently,
after substantial investigation and monitoring by the IT Security Agency.
Turkish Internet Service Providers are to comply with the Agency and serve
court orders. Those responsible for websites with content breaching the new
legislation will face punishment that could comprise of sentences between
six months and three years in prison.