Is a special internet service for children coming? Minister Tunç issues a warning to social network providers.

Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç spoke at the "National Perspectives and Future Commitments Meeting to Combat Child Abuse and Exploitation in the Online Environment" held in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as part of the "WeProtect Global Summit 2024".

Stating that technological developments have made the digital world, referred to as the "virtual realm," a concrete and inseparable part of life, Tunç said that today's children are born into the world of technology and science. He expressed that children who are introduced to the digital world at an early age adapt to technological innovations faster than adults, emphasizing that while the digital world offers various opportunities to children, it also brings significant risks.

"OUR CHILDREN'S RIGHTS ARE BEING VIOLATED"

Tunç noted that children spend more time online due to specially designed attention-grabbing content, stating, "This situation increases the risk of our children being exposed to harmful content that constitutes a crime on the internet, their personal data falling into the hands of malicious individuals, and being subjected to cyber attacks involving psychological or sexual bullying. Technological innovations and developments play a facilitating role in the violation of our children's rights alongside the opportunities they offer," he said.

Emphasizing the importance of implementing necessary legal regulations to ensure that children benefit from the opportunities provided by science and technology to the fullest while being effectively protected against online risks and especially abuse, Tunç stated, "According to the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey, our state has a positive obligation to protect children from all forms of abuse."

"SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR CHILDREN HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED"

Tunç recalled that special regulations have been introduced for the protection of children, in addition to general internet users, with the Law No. 5651 on the Regulation of Publications Made on the Internet and the Fight Against Crimes Committed Through These Publications, and continued:

"In this context, social network providers are obliged to provide information regarding content related to the crime of sexual abuse of children to judicial authorities through their representative in Turkey. If this information is not provided to the requesting public prosecutor's office or court, it is stipulated that the relevant public prosecutor may request a reduction of 90% in the internet traffic bandwidth of the foreign social network provider. Additionally, social network providers are required to take necessary measures to provide segregated services specifically for children."

Stating that measures can be taken to block access to content in cases where the crime of sexual abuse of children is committed in the online environment, Tunç said, "Criminal sanctions are imposed on content providers regarding crimes such as the sexual abuse of children and the production and dissemination of pornographic content."

"THE PUBLICATION OF CONTENT THAT CAN HARM CHILDREN IS PROHIBITED"

Tunç conveyed that the law also imposes certain obligations on internet service and access providers, using the following statements:

"Content providers are responsible for ensuring that the content they offer in the online environment is lawful. The publication of content that can harm children is prohibited. Access providers are obliged to establish technical infrastructure to block access to certain content to ensure the safety of children. Hosting providers are held responsible for platforms that contain harmful content for children. Hosting providers must immediately remove unlawful content from publication."

Stating that it is essential to develop policies against the risks of the digital world and to carry out educational and awareness-raising activities that will spread to the grassroots of society, Tunç said, "Legal regulations, while providing a fundamental basis for protecting children from the dangers of the digital world, must be supported by effective educational programs, awareness-raising activities, cooperation among industry stakeholders, and international collaboration."

Tunç emphasized that only in this way can children safely benefit from the blessings of the digital world and effective results be achieved in the fight against child abuse.

"PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM ALL FORMS OF EVIL IS OUR DUTY"

Pointing out that the most important motivation for efforts to end wars, genocides, and crises, and to expand the climate of security and peace is children, Tunç stated:

"The continuation of genocide and aggressive policies in Gaza for over a year has led to nearly 20,000 children losing their lives under bombs. As humanity, it is our duty to protect children from all forms of violence and evil. As stated by the President of Turkey, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, at every international platform, we will continue to work for a world where children do not die, where innocent people are not harmed, and where there is no violence, with the principle that 'a fairer world is possible'."