Meta fined by Turkish rights institution over Palestine content

The Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye (TİHEK) has imposed an administrative fine of 256,357 Turkish Lira on Meta for violating anti-discrimination laws. The decision follows a complaint by İkbal Gürpınar, whose Instagram content supporting Palestine was removed and whose live streaming capabilities were restricted.

TİHEK ruled that the posts in question were of a political and social nature, highlighting the humanitarian situation and civilian casualties in Palestine. The institution emphasized that such content requires high levels of protection as it pertains to public interest discussions. The board noted that restricting live streaming directly impacted the user's ability to disseminate information, and that restoring content later does not undo the impact of the initial intervention.

In its defense, Meta stated that no company policy requires the removal of posts supporting Palestine. The company claimed the content was “removed inadvertently” after an investigation suggested it violated Instagram Community Standards, which subsequently triggered the live streaming restriction. Meta proposed a settlement, but the applicant rejected it, arguing that these practices have become systematic.