13.03.2025 15:01
The Google decisions that first emerged in October 2024 and were presented as an algorithm change particularly harmed news websites. A response has come from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure to the parliamentary inquiry submitted by CHP Deputy Ulaş Karasu, who brought the algorithm change that led to the closure of Gazete Duvar to the agenda of the Assembly.
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Google's algorithm changes have caused a significant drop in traffic for news sites, leading to the closure of some news websites.
CHANGE THAT LED TO SITE CLOSURES
Gazete Duvar closed, citing a significant drop in its revenues due to the restructuring of Google’s Discover.
CHP DEPUTY TAKES ACTION
The issue, which first emerged in October 2024 and continued for a month, resurfaced at the end of January, prompting CHP deputy Ulaş Karasu to take action following the significant developments.
RESPONSE TO THE QUESTION PROPOSAL FROM THE MINISTRY
Karasu, who submitted a question proposal on the matter, received a prompt response from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. The ministry's statement noted, "Google, a company based in America, is a search engine in the position of a content/location provider and is obliged to comply with the regulations under the Law No. 5651 on the Regulation of Publications Made on the Internet and the Fight Against Crimes Committed Through These Publications dated 04.05.2007."
"ALGORITHMS CAN BE CHANGED FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES"
Digital platforms such as search engines and content/location providers that operate via the internet can change their algorithms for commercial purposes at various times. For example, the YouTube platform underwent changes to its algorithm three times in 2024. In this context, changes have also been made regarding the evaluation and listing of content on the Google search engine through algorithms based on the content available at the internet address."
"DISCUSSIONS WITH GOOGLE CONTINUE"
Although Google officials stated that no internet address was targeted due to the algorithm change and that no changes were made to favor or differentiate any internet address, discussions with Google officials regarding the matter are ongoing," the statements included.
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