Turkey bans numerous X accounts over alleged market speculation

X access ban social media regulation speculative posts freedom of expression Turkey

Authorities in Turkey have implemented access bans on numerous X accounts following investigations by the Istanbul and Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Offices. The restrictions were applied under Article 8/A of Law No. 5651, citing the protection of national security and public order.

The bans target accounts accused of making speculative posts regarding capital market instruments that could incite fear and panic among investors. According to findings by the Freedom of Expression Association's EngelliWeb project, approximately 194 accounts have been restricted, reaching a combined follower count of roughly 12 million.

The affected individuals include a wide range of professionals, such as economist Uğur Gürses, academic Prof. Dr. Bilge Yılmaz, economist Emre Şirin, journalists Dinçer Gökçe and Naz Yavuzarslan, and actor/writer Orhan Aydın. While some accounts have become inaccessible in Turkey, others remain partially visible or display error messages on the platform.