2018-04-13
An official belonging to Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has called for citizens to require an “internet licence” before they can connect to the internet, according to independent news website T24.
“Just as a licence is required when you go out into traffic, people who connect to the internet should at least have a basic ability and licence to connect to the internet,” Taha Yücel, who represents the party on the board of government broadcasting watchdog RTÜK, said at an event to mark the 25th anniversary of the internet coming to Turkey.
A law passed last month gives RTÜK the power to require a licence from internet broadcasters and fine them or suspend their licences for content inappropriate for children or insulting to the president.
“We haven’t talked about the details yet, but I have the concept of an internet licence,” Yücel said.
“We need internet literacy, we need to create interactive education ... In short, for people who connect to the internet, it could be optional or we could think of making it compulsory.”