Block first, warrant later: Turkey drafts bill on website shutdowns without court order — RT News.
In its latest attempt to control the internet, the Turkish government announced it’s looking into a bill that would grant powers to block any site that is considered as threatening “national security and public order” without an immediate court order.
The bill would give a green light to the prime minister and communication minister to make such decisions.
“If a situation concerning … public order and national security [arises] … the prime ministry, TİB [Telecommunications Directorate] will be able to temporarily remove content or block access,”Transportation, Maritime Affairs and Communications Minister Lütfi Elvan told reporters.
He noted that even though the website could be shut down immediately, a court order would still have to be filed “within 24 hours.”
“The judge shall announce his decision within 48 hours from the time of [action]; otherwise, the [prohibition] shall automatically be lifted.”
The new draft bill also discusses penalties for not cooperating and includes fines up to 500,000 lira (US$215,000).
