Safer Internet Day, celebrated every year in 150 countries around the world, was commemorated this year under the theme “Together for a Better Internet” hosted by the Information Technologies and Communication Authority. Transport and Infrastructure Minister Adil Karaismailoğlu, who participated by sending a video message to the program's opening, emphasized the importance of digitalization.
Stating that the proper use of the internet is important and that they will conduct all necessary studies on this matter, Minister Karaismailoğlu noted that there are false and incorrect information on social media and that young people need to be careful about this.
Drawing attention to the fact that online security is becoming increasingly important every year, Minister Karaismailoğlu said, “Especially triggered by pandemic conditions, interest in the internet and social media platforms has been increasing gradually. Naturally, as the usage rates of these platforms increase, the dangers and risks in these platforms, which derive their power from users and the data created by users, have also multiplied significantly. Cyberbullying, online exploitation of children, social media and gaming addiction, among others, have reached a level where they threaten our children today. At this point, the conscious and safe use of the internet and social media platforms is extremely important. We believe that the ‘Safer Internet Service,’ which is created by our Information Technologies and Communication Authority and can be preferred in two options suitable for our families and children, will be particularly beneficial at this point. We invite our citizens to use this completely free service. I want to state once again on the occasion of Safer Internet Day that presenting a ‘clean’ and ‘safe’ digital world in every aspect to our children born into a digital world, our young siblings, and all our citizens is one of our most important goals. It should not be forgotten that our children and youth need safe digital environments more than anyone today.”
Stating that they have received positive results from the initiatives launched with the slogan “Turkey’s data must stay in Turkey” to protect personal data privacy, Karaismailoğlu said, “I welcome with pleasure the production and widespread use of domestic and national messaging applications, and I believe it increases our digital awareness.”
Minister Karaismailoğlu: “We Must Become a Producing Society by Using the Internet Consciously”
Emphasizing that unconscious internet use is quite harmful, Karaismailoğlu said, “Digital platforms have become a representation of cultural imperialism especially for our youth. At this point, we must become a society that produces by using the internet and social networks consciously, rather than consuming their mind, time, and energy by using them irresponsibly. We will not allow technological developments and digital platforms to enslave and consume us and our children. Just as excessive calorie intake makes the body sick over time, it should not be forgotten that consuming all content indiscriminately without filtering in digital environments will lead to digital obesity and digital addiction.”
Minister Karaismailoğlu: “Individuals Who Produce and Shape Technology Will Also Shape the Future
Stating that they are fighting against the complexity and harmful content on the internet, Karaismailoğlu said, “There are many risks on the internet and social networks, such as reputation assassination, disinformation, digital fraud, terrorist propaganda, and insults. We are in a period where, along with legal means in the fight against such harmful and illegal content, creating digital awareness in society is extremely important. We believe that multiplying goodness and producing good content is a strategic power in the fight against evil. Individuals who enlighten both themselves and society with positive and beneficial content, who embrace their cultural and moral values and take them one step forward; who produce and shape technology, will also shape the tomorrows. With this belief, our Information Technologies and Communication Authority has launched the ‘Open Source Digital Content Production Project.’ We value this project highly, which aims to develop and disseminate a learning culture, contribute to transforming digital literacy into technology, societal welfare and happiness, development, art, science, and innovation.”