Turkey is preparing to introduce a system in three months’ time requiring users to provide verified identity information in order to access social media platforms, Justice Minister Akin Gurlek announced on Friday.
Gurlek said that Turkish authorities have reached an agreement with major global social media companies to implement identity-based login systems, effectively ending anonymous usage in the country. He did not name the specific companies.
“There will be a transition period to ensure that accounts we refer to as fake or bot accounts that do not use a person’s real identity are also closed. Within three months, everyone will be using social media with their real identity,” Gurlek said.
Users will verify their identity using their identity documents and citizenship numbers.
Gurlek has previously complained that anonymous accounts enable online abuse and attempts to influence judicial processes, and argued that users should be legally responsible for their online activity.
Critics argue however that requiring users to disclose their identities may discourage individuals from expressing dissenting views, particularly in a political climate where online speech has already led to investigations and prosecutions.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to regulate digital spaces by the Turkish authorities. However, previous pieces of legislation, such as the disinformation law and social media law, have been criticised by rights groups, experts and the opposition, who claim that the government is trying to censor the internet.
Despite the announcement of an agreement between the government and social media companies on verified access to their platforms, the government still need to create specific legislation and have it passed by parliament.
Justice Minister Gurlek announced that the verified access change will be added to a judicial reform package, which is soon to be submitted to the parliament.
Passing the legislation is not expected to be a problem as the governing coalition of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan holds a majority in parliament.
None of the social media giants had confirmed the Turkish minister’s announcement by the time of publication of this article.