Internet filter to go into effect next week

ANKARA - Anatolia News Agency

Thousands protested the Internet filtering packages in Istanbul in May. DAILY NEWS photo, Emrah GÜREL

A controversial decision by Turkey’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) to begin filtering the Internet will go into effect on Nov. 22, following the end of a three month trial period that began on Aug. 22.

“Users who have not issued any requests will continue to use their current Internet. There are two profiles available on the Secure Internet Service, namely the child and family profiles,” said Tayfun Acarer, the head of the BTK.

Following the end of the testing period on Nov. 22, Internet users will be able to take advantage of the service on a voluntary basis and for free, according to reports.

The infrastructure for the Secure Internet Service was set up by access providers, Acarer said, adding that members who demand the service would issue their request to Internet service providers.

“Members will be able to switch between profiles any moment they desire with the password and username obtained from Internet service providers, or discontinue the Secure Internet Service if they are dissatisfied with it, or no longer need it,” Acarer said.

The service was arranged in response to demands and complaints issued to the BTK by Internet users, he added.

The introduction of the Secure Internet Service is based on an article in the consumer rights regulation that has been effective since July 28, 2010.

Of the nearly 11.5 million active Internet users in Turkey, 22,000 are utilizing the secure Internet profile.

The decision to unveil the filters has prompted anger from Internet users who have expressed concerns that the government will use the measures to censor online information.