"This could be the last banner you click on," read main opposition party Republican People’s Party (CHP) ad on several news Web pages. After days of real and virtual protests, the "Do not touch my Internet" campaign will have utterly failed in Turkey when a new law goes into effect, known widely as "the Internet law." The bill has been approved in parliament and went to the president for his signature. He could veto it, but judging from his record of using veto powers, that is not a realistic expectation. There is some probability that after the opposition complains, the Constitutional Court may revoke the bill. Yet, the probability is rather low. Based on the Justice and Department Party (AKP)’s shrewd tradition of passing "high moral laws: morals to protect the youth," many in Turkey are considering this a done deal.
What is not yet known is how this law will affect those inside Turkey, including the AKP itself. Unlike the other restrictive rules and regulations (alcohol and coed dorms come to mind), this one applies to a significantly large audience — almost all of the country. It will also affect AKP voters.
