03.02.2026 18:14
The Disinformation Combat Center stated that the claims of "more than 10,000 children go missing in Turkey every year" do not reflect the truth, that the TÜİK data has been distorted, and that there is no official statistic regarding missing and unaccounted for children.
The Presidency of Communication's Disinformation Combat Center (DMM) announced that the claims circulating on social media stating "more than 10,000 children go missing every year in Turkey, and nearly 100,000 in the last 8 years" do not reflect the truth.
"TURKSTAT DATA IS DISTORTED"
In a statement from DMM, it was noted that the data shared by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) was presented to the public out of context. The statement emphasized that TURKSTAT statistics only pertain to children for whom official missing reports have been made and who were later found. It was expressed that there are no high rates of missing cases as claimed.
NO OFFICIAL STATISTICS
The statement also pointed out that there are no official statistics published by public institutions under the title "number of missing and unaccounted children."
PREVIOUSLY DENIED
DMM reminded that these claims were clearly and explicitly denied in 2024, yet it was found that the same content was intentionally circulated again.
WARNING TO THE PUBLIC
At the end of the statement, the public was urged not to give credence to disinformation-laden shares.
Here is the statement made;