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In Turkey, new technologies reinforce repression
In Turkey, authorities have employed new technologies, including internet restrictions and facial recognition, to suppress anti-government protests. Following the arrest of Istanbul's mayor on graft charges, nearly 2,000 individuals have been detained amid a protest ban, with many identified through police footage during the demonstrations that started on March 19.
Key points
- Protests erupted on March 19 after the arrest of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu.
- Authorities restricted internet access to limit the organization of protests.
- Facial recognition technology was deployed to identify and apprehend protesters.
- Around 2,000 people have been arrested, with many detained in predawn raids.
- Police have used footage and photos from protests to identify individuals.
Why it matters
- There is a trend toward increased surveillance technology globally, as governments leverage tech to monitor and control dissent.
- Other countries like Belarus and Iran have similarly restricted internet access and used facial recognition for protest suppression.
- The reliance on technology in governance is prominent in 2025 IT Trends, emphasizing surveillance and data collection for maintaining public order.
The use of advanced technologies by the Turkish government highlights a rising trend in global repression tactics, signaling potential implications for civil liberties and the right to protest.