Content shared on the internet can reach very large audiences in a short time and may affect people’s private lives, reputation or commercial interests. Content that is untrue, unlawful or violates personality rights (kişilik hakları) can have serious consequences for individuals and businesses.

Access blocking (erişim engelleme) is one of the legal methods used to restrict users from reaching a specific piece of content on the internet. However, an access blocking order is not issued automatically for every piece of online content. The nature of the content, the extent of the violation and its legal basis are assessed together.

What Is Access Blocking?

Access blocking is the restriction, by a court decision or a decision of a competent authority, of access to content published on the internet that is unlawful.

This procedure may become relevant in particular in cases of violation of personality rights, violation of the privacy of private life, unlawful sharing of personal data or certain other situations specifically regulated by law.

In Which Situations Can Access Blocking Be Requested?

Online content can create legal problems in different ways. Before content can be removed or access to it blocked, it must first be assessed whether the content is unlawful.

Some situations that may give rise to a request for access blocking are:

content that amounts to an attack on personality rights,
insulting or reputation-damaging posts on the internet,
publications that violate the privacy of private life,
sharing of personal data without permission,
untrue and harmful online content,
photographs, videos or personal information used without permission.

How Can News Articles and Content on the Internet Be Removed?

It may not always be possible to delete every piece of content on the internet completely. However, different legal routes can be considered for removing unlawful content, restricting access to it or having it removed from search results.

It is possible to apply to the platform on which the content was published, to request removal from the website concerned or, where the necessary conditions are met, to apply to the competent legal authorities.

Protecting Personality Rights on the Internet

Posts made in the digital environment can affect people’s honour and reputation, their private life or their commercial reputation. Content spread on social media, news websites and forums in particular can remain accessible for a long time, so its effects may become lasting.

For this reason, when taking action against content on the internet, the balance between freedom of expression and personality rights must be assessed correctly.

Posts made on social media platforms can also have legal consequences. In cases of insult, threats, sharing of private information or violation of personal rights, legal remedies can be used to have the content removed and access to it restricted.

In assessments made in the context of social media disputes, the content of the post, the way it spread and the resulting harm are examined together.

The Importance of Evidence in the Access Blocking Process

Because online content can be changed or removed quickly, it is important to preserve evidence in good time. Screenshots, link addresses (URLs), publication dates and other digital records can be important in legal proceedings.

However, for digital evidence to have legal value, it must be obtained and preserved correctly.

What Steps Are Taken to Obtain an Access Blocking Order?

In the access blocking process, the type of violation and its legal basis must first be determined. The same application method is not used for every case. Different legal routes may come into play depending on the nature of the content.

For this reason, assessing the situation, examining the available evidence and determining the most appropriate legal method before applying are important for the process to move forward effectively.

A Legal Approach to Protecting Online Reputation

The effect of content spread on the internet is not limited to the moment it is published. Content that continues to appear in search engines or can be shared again may affect the long-term reputation of individuals and businesses.

For this reason, access blocking procedures should be considered not only as the removal of a piece of content, but also in terms of protecting personal and commercial rights in the digital world.

Legal Proceedings Concerning Online Content with Attorney Ezgi Çalışkan

Attorney Ezgi Çalışkan provides assessments of legal issues relating to the removal of online content, access blocking requests, disputes arising from social media, violations of personality rights and other legal problems arising in the digital environment.

To have content on the internet examined from a legal perspective, to determine the correct route of application and to plan steps for protecting your online reputation, it is important that your legal situation is assessed from a professional perspective.

Access Blocking