Several independent media outlets in Turkey are at risk of closure due to Google's algorithm changes, according to a joint statement released on Thursday. The changes implemented since January have significantly reduced reader traffic to websites such as T24, Medyascope, Diken, and Birgun, impacting their financial viability and hindering public access to news.
The outlets have expressed intentions to pursue legal action to safeguard their corporate rights, employees' work, and reader support that they claim have been negatively impacted by Google's actions. They plan to engage with both local and international legal authorities, including Turkey's Competition Authority.
In response, a Google spokesperson, speaking anonymously, clarified that the algorithm changes aim to enhance the search experience broadly and do not target specific websites. The spokesperson emphasized that Google does not manipulate search results to favor or disadvantage any viewpoint.
Turkey, with a low press freedom ranking, has witnessed an increasing reliance on critical or independent media outlets for news due to government control over much of the media landscape. Independent media outlets heavily rely on Google for revenue, as private companies are hesitant to advertise on such platforms. Gazete Duvar, an independent news outlet, recently announced its closure, citing revenue losses exacerbated by Google's algorithm adjustments and economic inflation.