Meta fined by Turkey for defying content restrictions on Facebook and Instagram

The tech giant faces significant penalties for resisting Turkey's demands to limit content amid ongoing political tensions.

By  Storyboard18Apr 4, 2025 1:27 PM
Meta fined by Turkey for defying content restrictions on Facebook and Instagram
In a statement, Meta said, "We 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.

Meta has been hit with a hefty fine by the Turkish government after it resisted demands to restrict content on its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, as per reports by AP.

The Turkish authorities have increasingly cracked down on social media platforms, particularly in the wake of protests triggered by the arrest of Istanbul's opposition mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu.

In a statement, Meta said, "We 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.

The company, however, did not disclose the exact amount of the fine, only describing it as "substantial." Meta also refrained from providing specifics on which content was targeted for restriction.

Turkey’s government has been tightening its grip on online speech in recent years, with increasing attempts to control digital platforms.

Following Imamoglu’s arrest on March 19, mass protests erupted, leading to widespread censorship efforts. Social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), were temporarily blocked, with over 700 X accounts, many belonging to journalists, media outlets, and student groups, being suspended for allegedly inciting unrest.

First Published on Apr 4, 2025 1:27 PM

More from Storyboard18

Brand Marketing

HUL steps up digital advertising, media spends to drive growth for key brands

HUL steps up digital advertising, media spends to drive growth for key brands

Brand Marketing

Costa Coffee bets big on India’s evolving taste; targets top-five spot globally

Costa Coffee bets big on India’s evolving taste; targets top-five spot globally

Brand Marketing

Amul follows Mother Dairy, increases milk prices by Rs 2 per litre from May 1

Amul follows Mother Dairy, increases milk prices by Rs 2 per litre from May 1

Brand Marketing

Subscription booms, but brands must stop dodging royalties, says Tips Music MD Kumar Taurani

Subscription booms, but brands must stop dodging royalties, says Tips Music MD Kumar Taurani

Brand Marketing

IKEA reinvents India growth plan to reach tier-II cities

IKEA reinvents India growth plan to reach tier-II cities

Brand Marketing

BCCI sued over naming IPL robot dog ‘Champak’

BCCI sued over naming IPL robot dog ‘Champak’

Brand Marketing

Pepsi announces global female football ambassadors - Alexia Putellas, Caroline Graham Hansen, Farah Jefry and Lauren James

Pepsi announces global female football ambassadors - Alexia Putellas, Caroline Graham Hansen, Farah Jefry and Lauren James

Brand Marketing

Amazon says it won't show tariff costs on products after White House criticism

Amazon says it won't show tariff costs on products after White House criticism