Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has issued a stark warning about the dangers posed by social media algorithms, terming them as “algorithm fascism” for their role in distorting the line between truth and misinformation. Addressing attendees at the Second Communication Council in Ankara, Erdoğan highlighted the growing power of digital platforms in shaping public opinion, making it increasingly challenging for individuals to separate facts from perception.
While acknowledging the transformative impact of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and communication technologies on information sharing, Erdoğan also noted the parallel increase in the spread of disinformation. He emphasized that social media has the capacity to influence public thought, alter interpretations of events, and even reshape historical narratives, which could threaten cultural values and social unity.
The Communication Council, Erdoğan stated, is designed to craft Türkiye’s future communication strategy by bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, academics, media representatives, and civil society experts. The focus of the event is on reinforcing public communication policies that align with the nation’s long-term objectives.
In his speech, the Turkish president also touched upon the investigation into the Ahbap charity. He assured that the legal process is being utilized to hold accountable those accused of betraying public trust after the devastating 2023 earthquakes.