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.
In this photo illustration, social media apps are seen on a mobile phone on July 29, 2020, in Istanbul, Turkey.
In this photo illustration, social media apps are seen on a mobile phone on July 29, 2020, in Istanbul, Turkey. Turkey's parliament passed a new law to regulate social media content. The law will require foreign social media companies to have an appointed Turkish-based representative to deal with any concerns authorities have over content. - Chris McGrath/Getty Images
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Andrew Wilks
@AndyWilks61

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.

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