No, Turkish law prohibits using fake names on social media without legitimate justification, as stipulated under the Law on the Regulation of Broadcasts via Internet (Law No. 5651) and the Turkish Penal Code (Article 267). The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) and the Presidency of Communication (CİMER) enforce these rules, with 2025 amendments tightening penalties for anonymity violations. Platforms must verify user identities, and non-compliance risks fines up to ₺5 million or criminal charges for impersonation.
Key Regulations for Using Fake Names on Social Media in Turkey
- Mandatory Real Name Disclosure: Social media platforms operating in Turkey must collect and verify users’ real names and national ID numbers under BTK’s Regulation on Social Media Platforms (2020, amended 2025). Failure to comply triggers administrative sanctions.
- Prohibition of Deceptive Identities: Article 267 of the Turkish Penal Code criminalizes impersonation or use of false identities to mislead, with penalties including imprisonment up to 3 years and fines up to ₺10,000.
- Platform Liability for Non-Compliance: Under Law No. 5651, platforms must remove content or accounts using fake names within 24 hours of a court order or face fines up to 3% of their annual revenue.