Google's Algorithm Changes Threaten Turkish Media Freedom

Independent media outlets in Turkey are facing potential closure due to Google's algorithm changes that significantly reduced their website traffic. This has affected their finances and accessibility to news. Media outlets plan to take legal action, citing a negative impact on press freedom and increased dependency on Google revenues.

Several independent media outlets in Turkey are facing an existential threat as Google's recent algorithm changes have drastically cut website traffic, according to a joint statement from the affected outlets on Thursday.

These changes have nearly wiped out reader traffic from Google Discover and News, causing financial harm to outlets like T24, Medyascope, Diken, and Birgun. In response, they plan to take legal action, arguing that Google's modifications limit public access to news.

While Google insists its changes are not site-specific but rather aimed at improving search functionality, critics argue that reduced media traffic further curtails press freedom in a country already ranked 158th in press freedom by Reporters Without Borders.