Turkey’s Erdogan says social media a ‘threat to democracy’ | Al Jazeera

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described social media on Saturday as one of the main threats to democracy.

Erdogan’s government plans to pursue legislation to criminalise spreading fake news and disinformation online, but critics say the proposed changes would tighten restrictions on free speech.

Erdogan said when it first emerged social media was hailed as a symbol of freedom, but now it has “turned into one of the main sources of threats to today’s democracy”.

“In this regard, it is important to inform the public to fight disinformation and propaganda within the framework of truth,” he said.

“We try to protect our people, especially the vulnerable sections of our society, against lies and disinformation without violating our citizens’ right to receive accurate and impartial information.”