Digital Platforms and Freedom of Expression: A Comparative Analysis of Turkey and Global Approaches

Esra Ince

doi:10.58898/sij.v4i2.73-79

Authors

Esra Ince Ankara University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58898/sij.v4i2.73-79

Keywords:

Freedom of speech, digital platforms, social media regulation

Abstract

The rise of digital technologies, particularly social media platforms, represents one of the most transformative societal shifts of the 21st century. While these platforms expand access to information and enable active participation in public discourse, they also present complex challenges for freedom of expression. Issues such as misinformation, hate speech, cyberbullying, privacy violations, and illegal content circulation highlight the limitations and responsibilities of digital platforms. This article examines the multidimensional impacts of digital platform regulations on freedom of expression, with a focus on Turkey's legal framework and comparative international approaches. The study explores the evolution of digital legislation in Turkey, including the Internet Law No. 5651, the 2020 Social Media Law, and the 2022 Anti-Disinformation Law. It further analyzes global regulatory models, such as the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA), Germany's NetzDG, and the United States' Section 230. The paper emphasizes the critical role of platforms in shaping public discourse and calls for a nuanced understanding of the balance between state oversight, individual rights, and platform governance.

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