Turkey's Ombudsman Faruk Bildirici Slams Journalists' Social Media Race

Media ombudsman Faruk Bildirici warned that journalists are increasingly sharing political developments on personal social‑media accounts before their news organisations, citing the rapid spread of rumors about former Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu leaving politics and closing the Gelecek Party. He argued that this “sharing race” bypasses editorial checks and harms the credibility of Turkish journalism.

Professor Ali Murat Kırık echoed concerns about the unchecked power of global digital platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Telegram. He said these services set their own rules, promote subscription models that expose young users to crime and indecency, and undermine Turkish cultural and moral values. Kırık pointed to the United Kingdom’s Ofcom Online Safety Act as an example of stricter regulation that could be considered for Turkey.

Both commentators called for stronger oversight of social‑media activity and digital platforms to protect the integrity of the media ecosystem and Turkish societal norms.