President Erdoğan joins messaging apps Telegram, BiP amid WhatsApp privacy debate

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan joined messaging apps Telegram and BiP amid controversy regarding the privacy terms and conditions of WhatsApp, the most popular messaging app in Turkey. Turkey’s Personal Data Protection Authority (KVKK) and Competition Authority have previously launched investigations into the regulations update.

Duvar English

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan joined messaging applications Telegram and BiP amid controversy regarding amendments to the privacy conditions of WhatsApp, the most commonly used chatting application in Turkey. 

WhatsApp recently altered its privacy terms and conditions to allow sharing more personal data with its parent company Facebook, an entity that has been widely criticized for its stance on privacy issues in recent years. 

An application run by Turkey's largest private cell carrier Turkcell, BiP reportedly received 4.6 million new users over the past three days, when debate arose regarding WhatsApp's new terms and conditions.

Turkey’s Personal Data Protection Authority (KVKK) and Competition Authority have previously launched investigations into the regulations update.

Erdoğan leads in presidential race, outperforms expectations Google excessively recommends pro-government media outlets Half of Turkish men own gun, says foundation THY dismisses pilot for opposing regulation on praying in cockpit Turkey lifts visa requirement for six countries Family left homeless after landlord increases rent by five-fold