Ankara, March 2025 – Türkiye’s newly approved cybersecurity bill is facing strong criticism from press freedom advocates, who warn that it could severely restrict journalistic independence and grant the government excessive surveillance powers. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed concern over the law’s vague language, which could criminalize legitimate reporting on cybersecurity incidents.
Under the bill, individuals could face two to five years in prison for spreading “false” information regarding cybersecurity data breaches if it is deemed to incite public panic or target specific institutions or individuals. CPJ argues that the broad terms of this provision could curtail reporting on data leaks unless they are officially confirmed, potentially stifling journalistic inquiry into government failures or cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Özgür Öğret, CPJ’s Turkey representative, emphasized that the law could result in greater censorship, as it empowers the government to decide whether a cybersecurity breach actually occurred. “Turkish authorities should revise the law to ensure it does not threaten press freedom,” Öğret stated.
The bill also significantly expands the powers of the Cybersecurity Directorate, allowing it to oversee data collection and approve cybersecurity inspections by law enforcement. It establishes new agencies, including a cybersecurity authority and commission, which would have access to digital data within the country, subject to court approval. Additionally, a cybersecurity board, including high-ranking government officials, will oversee the law’s implementation.
This move follows a 2024 report by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) which revealed that personal data of millions of Turkish citizens had been stolen from government servers. The government argues that the law is necessary for national security and to protect technological infrastructure. However, critics, including opposition lawmakers and rights groups, fear it will erode freedom of speech and grant excessive powers to the government.
The Turkish Journalists Association warned that the bill could undermine press freedom, urging lawmakers to amend the provisions to align with constitutional rights. This follows a history of similar concerns, such as the 2022 disinformation law and the 2024 espionage bill, which critics argue enable government overreach.
The Republican People’s Party (CHP), Türkiye’s main opposition party, plans to challenge the cybersecurity bill in the Constitutional Court, further intensifying the debate over the balance between national security and fundamental freedoms.
Source: Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Turkish Journalists Association
Excerpts from Salma Ben Mariem | Faculty of Law and Political Science of Sousse, TN article on www.jurist.org
