Turkey’s plans for new social media restrictions threaten five years in prison for spreading fake news
The latest crackdown on online speech could see users jailed for posting fake news that critics say could criminalize dissent.
ISTANBUL — Turks could soon face up to five years in prison for spreading fake news on social media, according to reports regarding the government’s latest crackdown on online communications.
Proposals due to be put before parliament when it returns in October include punishment of one to five years for disseminating fake news, while those convicted of online insults would face up to two years in jail, the pro-government Turkiye newspaper reported.
There are also plans to establish a Social Media Directorate within the government to monitor online comments.
The reported plans would be the latest in what critics say is an effort to control freedom of speech and access to impartial news in Turkey, where all but a handful of newspapers and TV news channels are controlled by the government or its supporters.
