Turkish courts block LGBTQ+ NGOs' websites and detain activists under obscenity and criminal organization laws

What happened

Since mid‑September, Turkish courts have ordered the blocking of websites and social media accounts of several LGBTQ+ organizations and have detained over 60 activists. Investigations are being conducted under Article 226 (obscenity) and Article 220 of the Turkish Penal Code, with penalties of up to ten years imprisonment for directing a criminal organization.

Penalty

directing a criminal organization is punishable by five to ten years in prison, while merely being a member carries a sentence of two to five years

Why it matters for trust and compliance

• Its status is in effect. It is in force now.
• The crackdown illustrates how existing criminal statutes are being used to suppress LGBTQ+ expression and association online.
• Penalty: directing a criminal organization is punishable by five to ten years in prison, while merely being a member carries a sentence of two to five years.

Who is affected

Recommended actions

1. Check that privacy notices describe the practices this addresses.
2. Review age assurance and protections for minors' data.