Ekşi Sözlük, one of the most visited websites in Turkey, has been blocked by the Information Technologies and Communications Authority (BTK). While the reason behind the decision is not yet known, the first statement on the subject came from the platform.
Ekşi Sözlük has been closed by BTK decision!
As you know, BTK has the authority to restrict access to websites operating in our country. We have recently seen that this authority is used for Twitter and TikTok. Now, Ekşi Sözlük, one of the popular domestic websites of our country, has been blocked under this authority.
When we look at the official website of the BTK, which we can access from here, we see an inquiry screen. When we search for Ekşi Sözlük here, we see the text “Access is blocked by the decision of the Information Technologies and Communications Authority, dated 21/02/2023 and numbered 490.05.01.2023 – 100029.”
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When we check the website directly, we see that there is access to the site. However, it is worth remembering that the institution that takes the decision, BTK, must first notify the ISPs. Therefore, the implementation of the decision will vary between different operators and internet service providers.
According to the first information, Türk Telekom mobile and fixed internet users have already lost their access. Naturally, companies that provide services with the infrastructure received from this company, such as TürkNet, are also affected by this situation. It is expected that other operators will take similar steps soon.
Explanation of the closure decision from Ekşi Sözlük
It seems that users are not the only ones who are confused about the decision. A post on Ekşi Sözlük’s official Twitter account shows that the company is just as surprised as we are. The post includes the following statements: “hello, we have seen that there is a decision on the access ban, but we do not have information about the details, we are trying to get information from the authorities. We will share information as we get it.” So what could be the reason for this situation?
As you know, when a site is closed in our country, the main reason for this is dezonformation. It is not known whether this situation is valid here as well, but considering that the platform is based on written content, we can say that it is highly likely. However, since no official statement has been made yet, what we have written cannot go beyond being an analysis-based estimate. However, as soon as there is an improvement, we will share it with you.
Naturally, this sudden decision was the one that reacted the fastest on social media. Below you can see the first reactions of social media users, including Ekşi Sözlük CEO Başak Purut:
So what do you think about this subject? What do you think is the reason behind BTK banning the site and how long do you think the platform will remain inaccessible? You can share your views with us in the comments section.