New regulations won't bring ban on social media, deputy PM says

Commenting on rumors spread on the Internet, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag told press on Thursday that the government will not ban social media websites but will bring in new regulations to prevent the creation of fake accounts on such sites. After encountering many instances of provocative hate speech and fake photographs during the Gezi Park protests, the government started preparations to bring out new laws to prevent such incidents. Moreover, Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Deputy Chairman Huseyin Celik also stated on Wednesday that no one should expect a surprise ban on social media and added that the new law "will be just like how social media is regulated in civilized countries." Transportation Minister Binali Yildirim also said the new law will fight against cyber crimes and that there will be "no restrictions on social media."