Turkey is moving to implement a sweeping new policy that will require all social media users to verify their accounts using a government-issued national ID. Announced by Justice Minister Akın Gürlek, the plan would link every account to a citizen’s unique identification number, with unverified accounts facing shutdown after a transition period. Officials argue the measure is necessary to combat misinformation, harassment, and anonymous online activity.

Under the proposed system, users would be required to submit their TC Kimlik number—an identifier tied to extensive government databases containing personal and biometric information. While authorities frame the move as a step toward accountability, critics warn it effectively eliminates online anonymity. Given that Turkish authorities already have the capability to trace users through IP data, some argue the policy is less about enforcement and more about increasing control and surveillance over digital expression.

SOURCE