The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has tightened its controls on the digital broadcasting world due to content that has caused public sensitivity. At its latest meeting, the council decided to impose maximum administrative sanctions on four different digital platforms for broadcasts promoting LGBT propaganda, child abuse, obscenity, and violence. Official reports shared by RTÜK emphasized that some productions on these platforms contained scenes that were contrary to universal moral norms, human nature, and social values. The Board’s harsh sanctions decision also reveals the extent to which control systems on digital platforms have reached in recent times.

RTÜK Details the Reasons for the Violations

One of the productions examined by the Board was the documentary ‘Bang My Box: The Robin Byrd Story’ presented to the audience by HBO Max. In the investigations, it was determined that the documentary contained pornographic elements, displayed sexuality in an explicit manner, and followed a broadcasting policy that legalized homosexual relationships. As a result of these findings, the committee ruled that the relevant content should be removed from the digital catalog and that the platform should be fined 3 percent.

Controlling content published on digital platforms is of critical importance for the protection of social values.

Prime Video Content Under Review

Another platform that received its share of the monitoring processes was Prime Video. The series ‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’ on the platform was on the council’s radar due to its intense violence and excessive obscenity. Although the series was promoted as historical fiction or action, it was criticized for its dismemberment, excessive use of blood, and the portrayal of violence as an element of pleasure. In addition, the constant display of male and female bodies and sexually explicit scenes that violated moral norms led to a harsh reaction from the council. In these respects, Prime Video was also sanctioned with removal from the catalogue.

This move by RTÜK (Radio and Television Supreme Council) has reigned discussions about content security in the digital broadcasting sector. Platforms are expected to review their content policies in line with local laws and ethical standards.

What are your thoughts on the regulation of content broadcast on digital platforms? Do you find these decisions by RTÜK appropriate, or do you argue that digital broadcasting should be more free? You can share your opinions with us in the comments section below.