30.10.2026 03:11
The reason for blocking access from Turkey to Özlem Öz’s Instagram account with 4.3 million followers, known on social media as “Tayyargiller,” has become clear. The Ministry of Family and Social Services reported that Öz’s sharing of images and conversations related to her young son’s circumcision procedure violated the child’s private life and bodily privacy. The ministry’s request for an access block was accepted by the court.
The inability to access social media phenomenon Özlem Öz’s Instagram account from Türkiye raised the question, “Why was the account closed?” The statement from the Ministry of Family and Social Services revealed the rationale for the decision.
ACCESS TO THE ACCOUNT COULD NOT BE PROVIDED
Today, Özlem Öz’s account, of the couple Özlem and Tayyar Öz known for their luxury lifestyle posts, could not be reached from Türkiye. Instagram showed users trying to enter the account the information that the access restriction was applied upon the legal request of the Presidency of Cyber Security.
THE REASON: CIRCUMCISION POST
The reason for the access block was her posts regarding the circumcision process of Öz’s youngest son. Öz, who became a mother for the fifth time in August, had received great backlash on social media for sharing footage that also included her conversation with the doctor before the circumcision.
Especially on the X platform, many users argued that sharing children’s private lives on social media was a privacy violation, and some users called on the Ministry of Family and Social Services and asked for the account to be examined.
MINISTRY APPLIED TO COURT
After the reactions, the Ministry of Family and Social Services took action and applied to the court under Law No. 5651, requesting the removal of the content and blocking of access. After the court accepted the request, Öz’s account was blocked from access in Türkiye.
“CUSTODY RIGHT DOES NOT GRANT UNLIMITED AUTHORITY”
In its statement, the Ministry emphasized that the right to custody does not grant parents unlimited authority over their children’s private lives and bodily privacy. The statement noted that parental consent does not make posts that violate children’s privacy lawful.
THE COUPLE IS ALSO BEING TRIED IN A SEPARATE CASE
Özlem Altınok Öz, her husband Tayyar Taylan Öz, and their business partner İbrahim Karaorhanlı are being tried on charges of “concealing the illegitimate source of asset values,” with a prison sentence sought of 3 to 7 years. In the indictment prepared by the Istanbul Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, it is alleged that the defendants gained a large number of followers through attention-grabbing posts on social media, created a false brand perception, and offered low-cost products with no market equivalent for sale at high prices.
The indictment states that a tax crime report was prepared regarding the Medelina company, in which the defendants are partners, and that the defendants are also being tried separately at the Anadolu 74th Criminal Court of First Instance on charges of “opposing the Tax Procedure Law.” It is claimed that the public suffered a loss of 10 million lira due to tax evasion allegedly carried out through the company.
At the February 2026 hearing of the case at the Istanbul Anadolu 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance, the ban on leaving the country for the defendants was lifted, while the continuation of other judicial control measures was ordered.
STATEMENT FROM THE MINISTRY
The Ministry’s statement is as follows:
“Following social media phenomenon Ö.Ö.’s sharing of images and conversations recorded during the circumcision procedure of a young child, violating his private life and bodily privacy, it was deemed necessary to make the following statement.
Due to the posts in question, our Ministry requested the removal of the content and the blocking of access under Law No. 5651, and our request was accepted by the relevant court.
As emphasized in our Ministry’s petition, the systematic transformation of children’s developmental processes, family relationships, health-related experiences, and various moments from their private lives into social media content from the very first day they are born carries serious risks for the confidentiality of their private lives and their personality rights.
The right to custody does not grant parents unlimited discretionary authority over their children’s private lives and bodily privacy. In exercising this right, it is essential to observe the best interests of the child. Parental consent does not make posts that violate children’s privacy lawful.
Protecting children’s privacy in digital environments as well is the responsibility of parents, content producers and sharers, platforms, and all relevant parties.
Our Ministry will continue resolutely to take the necessary legal and administrative measures to protect children’s rights and privacy, based on the best interests of the child.
Respectfully announced to the public.”