X has restricted access to multiple student group accounts from Turkey's leading universities following demands from the Turkish government, as protests sweep across the country.
The platform's actions come amid widespread demonstrations triggered by the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and the controversial cancellation of his university degree.
The blocked accounts belonged to student organizations from prestigious institutions including Galatasaray University, Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ), and Boğaziçi University. These groups had been actively organizing protests against recent government actions.
Istanbul University recently voided İmamoğlu's business administration diploma, citing record irregularities. The decision impacted 27 other graduates, including Professor Aylin Ataay Saybaşılı, who heads Galatasaray University's business department.
Students across Turkey have responded with widespread protests, viewing these actions as politically motivated. At Istanbul University, students gathered in Beyazıt Square, while Galatasaray University students organized class boycotts and demonstrations supporting Professor Ataay.
ODTÜ students faced police intervention during their protest march toward Ankara's Kızılay district, following the detention of over 80 individuals, including Mayor İmamoğlu. The protesters voiced anti-government slogans before authorities blocked their progress.
Galatasaray University's solidarity network confirmed their account restriction, stating they would continue their fight for justice despite the digital censorship.
Under Elon Musk's leadership, X has faced mounting criticism for complying with authoritarian regimes' requests to restrict content. Turkey ranks among the top countries requesting account suspensions and content removals, often citing national security concerns or anti-terrorism laws.
This recent wave of account restrictions aligns with X's pattern of compliance with Turkish authorities' increasing efforts to control digital dissent, having previously blocked hundreds of accounts belonging to journalists, activists, and media organizations.