BTK's New VPN Blocking Decisions in Turkey
Turkey's Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK) has sent instructions to all operators requesting the blocking of 15 different VPN services. This step is seen as introducing new restrictions on the access freedom of internet users in Turkey. VPN (Virtual Private Network) technology allows users to hide their IP addresses and bypass geographic restrictions.
Which VPN Services Are Affected?
According to the BTK instruction, the blocking of services including Proton VPN, TunnelBear VPN, and Hotspot Shield — totaling 15 VPN services — has been requested. These restrictions are reported to be causing connection issues for affected users. This continues a pattern of VPN restrictions that began in 2016, with BTK imposing periodic limitations on various VPN services.
BTK's Oversight of VPN Services
The instruction sent to operators includes obligations to monitor non-VPN access methods, track traffic changes, and report findings. Internet users typically view VPNs as tools for freely accessing information and protecting their privacy. State institutions, on the other hand, generally restrict their use citing security reasons. This tension between internet freedom and regulatory control continues to be a central debate in Turkey's digital policy landscape.