9 - Global Media Law or Ethics

Silencing Dissent: Turkey's Disinformation Law and the Future of Free Speech

Government officials hold signs in protest of the censorship law (Human Rights Watch).

In 2024, Turkey ranked 158th out of 180 countries in terms of press freedom (Reporters Without Borders). This low ranking is not surprising considering the country's recent legal and political developments, especially with the release of its Disinformation Law in 2022 (Amnesty International). Framed by the Turkish government as a necessary step to combat the spread of false information across the web, the law has drawn widespread criticism for its potential for abuse. Journalists, activists, and human rights groups argue that it serves more as a tool for censorship rather than for public protection. Turkey's disinformation law undermines press freedom by enabling government censorship, raising urgent questions about the criminalization of free speech and reflecting a global trend towards state-controlled information. 

A video that further discusses the law. 

Human Rights Watch states that the law makes "disseminating false information a criminal offense with prison sentences of between one to three years." The law's vague wording allows the state to define what qualifies as "dangerous" reporting, leaving journalists at the mercy of subjective interpretation. This legal ambiguity opens the door for the government to selectively target critics while maintaining the appearance of lawfulness. 

Ethically, the Disinformation Law raises red flags. While it is important to address the harmful spread of misinformation in this digital age, the law appears to do more harm than good. Instead of empowering citizens to consume more factual information, it makes it to where journalists may be retaliated against for covering sensitive topics. The media should act as a watchdog rather than as a government's propaganda machine. Criminalizing the act of questioning the country's leadership undermines this role. 

In practice. the law has already been used as an intimidation tool against journalists. Just a few months ago, two journalists were investigated because of their comments about the forced resignation of three government officials (Turkish Minute). These cases, along with many others, suggest that the legislation is not about protecting the public from false information, but about protecting the government from criticism. 

The two journalists: Fatih Altaylı (left) and İsmail Saymaz (right). 

Globally, Turkey's approach is part of a growing trend of governments passing "fake news" laws that can be easily abused. Countries such as Russia, Egypt, and Hungary have implemented similar legislation, usually with the same goal of protecting government actions. Turkey's Disinformation Law reveals a troubling shift towards authoritarian control over digital speech. 

While the fight against misinformation is real and necessary, it must be pursued with transparency, fairness, and respect for human rights. Instead of criminalizing speech, governments should invest in media literacy programs, support journalists, and build public trust among their populations. If Turkey's model continues to spread, press freedom could erode further across the globe. We must call attention to these laws and push for legislation that protects both the truth and the right to speak it.