Access to Foreign Content Blocked from Turkey

Most of the content on the internet is hosted on servers located abroad. Therefore, although it is not possible to directly delete content against foreign websites that violate personal rights, damage private life or host obscene content, it is possible to obtain an access blocking order from Turkey.

This content explains in detail how to obtain an access block against foreign content, which legal remedies to follow and how the BTK and court processes work.

Why is Content Hosted Abroad a Problem?

• Content is not subject to local law because it is hosted abroad
• It is difficult to reach the site owner directly for removal
• Removal may not be enforced even by court order
• Only by obtaining an access blocking order from Turkey can the content be rendered invisible

Legal Basis

✅ Law No. 5651 – Article 8 (Catalog Crimes)

The ICTA may impose an access block without a court order for content related to the following catalog crimes:

• Obscenity
• Promoting prostitution
• Gambling content
• Child abuse
• Terror propaganda
• Insulting Atatürk

✅ Law No. 5651 – Article 9 (Violations of Personal Rights)

In case of violation of personal rights, an access blocking order can be requested by applying to the Criminal Judgeship of Peace.

🔗 For detailed information: What is an Access Block According to Law No. 5651?

How Does the Process Work?

1. Content Detection: URL and screenshots are taken
2. Determination of Evidence: Evidence is created by notarization or expert report
3. Application to the ICTA (Catalog Crimes): Can be reported via e-Government
4. Application to the Criminal Court of Peace: Article 9 of Law No. 5651 requests an access blocking decision
5. Implementation by ICTA: The decision is communicated to the relevant internet service providers and access is blocked from Turkey

🔗 General guide Access Blocking and Content Removal Guide

Which Platforms Can It Be Applied to?

• YouTube
• Facebook / Instagram / X (Twitter)
• Reddit / Tumblr
• Google Blogger / Blogspot
• Foreign news websites
• International sites with adult content

These platforms are based outside Turkey and often do not respond positively to content removal requests. However, access can be blocked by court order.

Frequently Asked Questions

🔹 Is it possible to remove content if it is hosted abroad?

No, no, no. But access can be blocked from Turkey.

🔹 Will the access blocking decision affect users outside Turkey?

No, they are not. Only connections from Turkey are blocked.

🔹 How many days does it take to get a court decision?

The Criminal Judge of Peace can usually decide within 1-3 days.

🔹 Will it be invisible on Google after the court decision?

If the decision is communicated to Google, it can also be removed from search results.

🔗 Detail: How to Request Content Removal from Google?

How We Help You as MFY Legal?

✅ Detection and evidence of foreign content

✅ Accurate and fast application to ICTA and courts

✅ Content removal appeals to Google and social media platforms

✅ Full legal management of access blocking processes for foreign content

✅ Solution-oriented support to protect your privacy and digital reputation

Contact MFY Legal to obtain an access blocking order from Turkey.

🔗 Click to go to our Contact Page