After an audio recording of Turkish officials was released via SoundCloud, a file-sharing site, the government made quick moves to dismantle the program. Soon after, officials created a new set of laws that allows the government to block any site without court order. Moreover, the government can also access the data housed by Internet companies to start criminal investigations. These actions by the Turkish government are appearing to cover up any kind of investigation about the government itself.
The idea of limiting the internet is a fascinating, yet slightly terrifying, concept. Although it has such potential for harm, the internet is also an incredibly effective tool that I can't imagine being restricted. This is such a blatant move by the government to control the information that can be released about them that it will be interesting to see what kind of backlash will happen as a response to this new legislation.
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Allison Higgins
2/24/2014 06:34:47 am
After hearing about this Turkish approach, my strong belief in the First Amendment is bolstered. I'm definitely biased in favor of the American approach (that the internet receives the highest protection under the First Amendment because it is not a limited resource). It is unsettling that the Turkish government can now start snooping pretty much anywhere online by claiming that it's for a criminal investigation. I imagine that we will only see more of these debates arise as the internet and its use as a global communication tool become more pervasive.
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Isabela Schwartz
2/25/2014 11:19:29 am
I hope that there are strict guidelines deeming what defines violating personal privacy, especially since this is subjective. However, I do believe that this is a positive change. In my POLI 100 class, we spoke about how the U.S. uses the Constitution to interpret what deems violating one's personal privacy being violated; this is an issue since the Constitution was written when the internet and social media were not invented yet. Therefore, the U.S. should potentially take a page from Turkey and further regulate online websites that foster violating one's personal privacy
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Rachel Atwood
2/26/2014 11:43:42 pm
At first glance this Turkish policy seems like an unnecessary restriction of press, however, I think it is important to look at international issues without imposing our American beliefs in the freedom of speech and democracy. Turkey is a melting pot of both Eastern and Western culture, they are highly influenced by Western ideals of freedom of expression as well as Eastern beliefs in regulation of expression. I think it is important to understand that journalism in Turkey, especially political journalism is highly personal and has historically led to violence and government disruption. I think this new restriction may not be something appropriate for America to put into place but as Turkey works on establishing a stable government and shifting the way the government functions I think this regulation could be something helpful as long as it is used fairly and doesn't aim to favor a certain political party or to cover up government indiscretions. This could be something crucial to help maintain national peace during a transitional time. This site has a good overview of the issues Turkey is facing while dealing with press and government transition http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/security/report/2013/05/14/63159/freedom-of-the-press-and-expression-in-turkey/.
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Caroline Ostrander
Senior Public Relations major from Raleigh, N.C.
Connolly Walker
Senior Public Relations major from Morehead City, NC.
Hannah Harrison
Senior Public Relations Major with a Minor in Religious Studies, from Mount Airy, N.C.
Summer Hennings
Senior Public Relations major with a minor in Vocal Performance.