Strasbourg, 06/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 6 February, the EU expressed its grave concern at the vote the day before by the Turkish parliament on a law to reinforce state control over the internet. “This law has caused deep concern here as it brings in restrictions to the freedom of expression”, explained Peter Stano, the spokesperson to Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Füle. “Turkish opinion deserves more information and transparency, not more restrictions”, he added. He pointed out that laws adopted by the accession candidate countries must comply with European standards.
The Turkish Parliament has adopted a raft of amendments to reinforce the powers of the government's telecommunications authority. It may now block websites containing information which infringe privacy or featuring content deemed to be discriminatory or insulting, without requiring a legal decision. And search engine histories will be kept for two years. (CG/transl.fl)