Istanbul – The popularity of the Chinese short video app TikTok has surged among social media users in Turkey over the past few years. Statistics indicate that 35% of Turks browse the app daily, whether they are sharing their own clips with others or simply watching.
A study published by "We Are Social" highlighted that there is no specific age group dominating the app's usage. Users range between 16 to 64 years old, with women representing 38%.
Analysts attribute the rising number of users to the various crises that the Turkish economy has faced in recent years, which have directly impacted citizens' financial circumstances. Many users rely on the revenue they earn through live broadcasting or the funds the app offers in exchange for a certain number of views on their videos.
The head of the Turkish Parliament's Digital Media Committee, Hussein Yaman (center), during the meeting with TikTok officials (Turkish newspaper "Hürriyet")
Official Criticism
Despite the significant success of TikTok in Turkey, the app has also posed social challenges, some with substantial negative impacts, such as concerns over privacy and security, alongside the proliferation of inappropriate or immoral content. This has raised alarm among parents and educators regarding the influence of such content on teenagers, in addition to the widespread and rapid circulation of misinformation without any oversight.
In this context, Turkish voices have expressed concerns about the potential negative effects of TikTok on society, prompting some entities and individuals to aspire for actions to mitigate the associated social risks.
Head of the Turkish Parliament's Digital Media Committee, Hussein Yaman, has sparked considerable controversy with his statements about the app, vehemently condemning it and directing fierce criticism towards its content and its impact on traditions, customs, and social values in the country.
Yaman stated, "We absolutely do not accept the stance of a digital network called 'TikTok', which does not conform to our traditions, culture, customs, and religion or any societal norms in Turkey, and I condemn it, calling on the judiciary to take necessary actions in this regard."
He added that such practices, which he deems a threat to public order and family structure, cannot be overlooked, emphasizing that the protection of social values and morals is as vital as individual freedoms. He assured that the council does not intend to ban the app.
Yaman stressed the impossibility of shutting down digital media, highlighting the importance of promoting awareness about the ethical challenges that could arise on social media platforms, insisting that solutions could be found through education and enhanced awareness, rather than imposing platform bans.
Amir Gelen, TikTok representative in Turkey (center), announced the launch of a new system to prevent the publication of content that contradicts family values (Turkish press)
Concern and Warning
Reflecting the worry about the potential negative impacts on children and teenagers, the Ministry of Family and Social Services in Turkey warned against using the TikTok app, pointing to serious effects that could impact family unity and structure.
The ministry criticized the methods some users employ to raise money through live broadcasting, cautioning against unmonitored financial activities or donations that might expose children and teenagers to financial risks and potential exploitation.
The Digital Media Committee of the Turkish Parliament met last week with TikTok's Director of Public Policy for the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey region, Amir Gelen, directing numerous criticisms towards the app's circulated content and its policies of monitoring and follow-up.
Gelen assured that the platform is about to launch a new system that prevents the publication of "indecent" content and posts contradicting Turkish family values. He committed to stopping live broadcasts if they violate community rules and closing accounts if such content recurs.
He emphasized that the company pays utmost attention to social sensibilities, noting that vast amounts of content are produced daily, even every minute on the platform. He acknowledged that technology and oversight teams work diligently to appropriately handle this immense amount of content.
While admitting that sometimes there could be delays in addressing incidents or in meeting expected response times, Gelen emphasized TikTok's continuous aim to ensure a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for its users, particularly youths and families.
Enhanced Monitoring
Gelen pointed out the company's commitment to adhering to the laws and regulations of the countries it operates in, as well as considering social sensitivities.
He concluded his statement by reaffirming the application's commitment to ongoing compliance and monitoring improvements, expressing readiness to cooperate with concerned parties to ensure continuous enhancement in this direction.
Omer Choban, a Turkish activist who has filed lawsuits against TikTok, told Al Jazeera Net that such applications pose a threat to the core values of Turkish society that have been entrenched over decades. He lamented that these apps deprive parents of their ability to monitor and direct their children.
Choban emphasized the significant responsibility that falls on families and the state to confront the challenges that may arise from the influence of these applications. He also called for serious oversight to maintain the cultural identity and values of Turkish society.
The activist highlighted the importance of effective governmental intervention to preserve the balance and address the challenges posed by the influence of these applications on the social fabric.
