Turkish Erdogan new law to suppress journalism and whistleblowers

The Turkish Parliament approved a new controversial cybersecurity law on March 12, amending certain provisions but retaining penalties for spreading “false information” about data leaks, a clause critics say threatens press freedom and free speech.

The law, which aims to bolster Turkey’s cyber defenses, establishes a legal framework for the recently formed Cybersecurity Directorate. It grants the directorate broad authority over data collection and cybersecurity enforcement, raising concerns among civil rights groups about potential overreach and privacy violations.

The clause’s vague wording could be used to suppress investigative journalism and silence whistleblowers. Media watchdogs and human rights organizations warn that journalists reporting on cybersecurity breaches could face prosecution, even when covering legitimate concerns about data protection. Similar provisions in Turkey’s disinformation law have led to the prosecution of journalists and social media users in the past, raising fears that the new cybersecurity law could further erode press freedoms.

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