As disinformation continues to spread around the world, Türkiye is stepping up efforts to counter false and provocative claims on sensitive national issues, with authorities taking action against social media accounts and publicly challenging claims they say could mislead the public.
Two developments Wednesday highlighted the scope of the effort. Authorities launched a comprehensive investigation into social media accounts accused of targeting the country’s “terror-free Türkiye” process, while the Communications Directorate’s Center for Combating Disinformation, known as DMM, separately rejected claims that forest areas burned in the 2021 wildfires in the Muğla province had been opened for construction.
The first investigation is being coordinated by the Communications Directorate, with the participation of relevant prosecutors’ offices, the General Directorate of Security’s Cybercrime Department and counterterrorism units.
Authorities are examining social media content they say seeks to provoke the national solidarity and social integration process, a sensitive initiative linked to Türkiye’s efforts to end the decadeslong threat posed by the PKK terrorist organization.
The PKK, which Türkiye, the U.S. and the EU classify as a terrorist organization, has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984. The organization announced its dissolution and disarmament earlier this year as part of the process toward a terror-free Türkiye.
The investigation found that some...
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