Safe Internet Day was organized under the auspices of the Information Technologies and Communication Authority with the main theme “All Together for a Safer Internet.” The event, attended by Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan and Information Technologies and Communication Authority President Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu, was joined by a large number of students.
In his speech at the opening of the event, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan emphasized that all internet users are a very serious source of data and that most of them are unaware of this.
Sayan stated, “Technology is undoubtedly a driving force in the development of countries and societies. However, it is also a force that changes and transforms societies' sociologies, cultural, moral and spiritual values, ways of communication, shopping and doing business, and ultimately their mental codes.”
Sayan, who said that the most important bond in real life is the one established with the family, said, “This is why our President has declared 2025 as the ‘Year of the Family.’ Because family is not just blood ties; it is the place where values, trust, and belonging are learned. Our family shapes not only our perspective on technology but on all of life and our values.”
Sayan stated, “In this context, technology and family should be seen not as rivals to each other, but as complementary elements when used consciously. Establishing this balance is very important for walking firmly into the future.”
Emphasizing that families have a great responsibility for children to be safe in the internet world, Sayan said, “As parents, we should teach our children to set privacy settings on their social media accounts, closely monitor their internet usage, ensure they spend time with age-appropriate content, and enable security software that provides parental controls, such as the Safe Internet Service.”
Addressing young people in his speech, Sayan said, “You should avoid sharing personal information and secure your accounts with strong passwords. You should be respectful and responsible in your posts, act considering your digital footprint. You should not believe every piece of information you see on the internet, check reliable sources. Do not click on unknown links and messages, research their sources.”
Sayan concluded his speech with the words, “If you are subjected to or witness cyberbullying, you must report it to a trusted adult. If a friend is being bullied, you should support them and not leave them alone. You should use technology consciously and not neglect your social life.”
President Karagözoğlu: The Importance of the Accuracy of Information on the Internet and Where and How It Should Be Used Has Increased
BTK President Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu also stated in his speech that today, information can be easily accessed thanks to the internet, but the accuracy of information on the internet and the importance of where and how it should be used has increased.
Karagözoğlu said, “With the widespread use of the internet, especially social sharing networks provide individuals with the opportunity to share thoughts, interests, and information, creating a mutual interaction environment. However, unconscious use poses a danger to individuals of all ages, especially children and young people. For this reason, we see that regulatory institutions, access providers, content and location providers in many countries, including our country, are sensitive and conduct joint studies to protect children and young people from harmful content on the internet. As an institution, we contribute to these efforts.”
Pointing out that dangers such as digital bullying, online abuse, and digital addiction threaten especially children and young people; Karagözoğlu conveyed that issues such as fake news and disinformation, digital privacy and personal data security, and digital footprint concern the entire society closely.
Stating that as the Information Technologies and Communication Authority, they are conducting studies to ensure that children use the internet safely, Karagözoğlu said, “Increasing the awareness of children, young people, and families not only about the harmful aspects of the internet but also about the opportunities it brings is among our primary goals through the ‘Safe Internet Center’ within our institution.”
Karagözoğlu said, “The Safe Internet Service, provided to users since 2011, plays a protective and preventive role. All our citizens who want to be protected from harmful and illegal content on the internet can benefit from this service completely free of charge. The point I want to emphasize here is the safe use of the internet and the protection of families, children, and young people.”
Drawing attention to the fact that the BTK Safe Internet Truck also provides an opportunity to introduce new technologies to children who are disadvantaged in accessing technology, Karagözoğlu stated, “We are working meticulously so that our children grow up as individuals who are integrated with technology, know how to benefit from the opportunities of technology and the internet, are aware of their risks, and produce, develop, and manage the technologies of the future.”
Noting that they are conducting awareness activities on the conscious and safe use of the internet on many fronts simultaneously, Karagözoğlu said, “Turkey’s awareness-raising digital content network ‘Safe Web’ plays an important role in raising awareness among parents with news, articles, blog posts, guides, and up-to-date information from the field about current online risks and opportunities.”
Karagözoğlu said, “‘Internet Help Center’ provides solution suggestions to users' problems encountered in internet environments within the scope of conscious, safe, and effective use of the internet. As I mentioned earlier, with the ‘ALO 141 Internet Information Support Line,’ we resolve problems experienced in digital environments quickly and through an alternative channel.”
Karagözoğlu concluded his speech with the words, “At the same time, with 1,631 trainings and seminars organized by our institution on digital literacy and internet security since 2012, we have reached a total of 272,952 people to date. As of 2024, we are pleased to have reached 44,268 more people with 184 trainings and seminars conducted.”