Information Security
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New
telecommunications regulations renew ‘intelligence state' concerns
ISTANBUL - 02.01.2015
18:00:53
Recent regulations
implemented by the Information Technologies and Communications Authority (BTK)
regarding the capital requirements and infrastructure of telecommunications
firms have renewed fears that Turkey is turning into an intelligence state.
One of the regulations will require companies to have TL 1 million in capital in order to apply for a Fixed Telephone Service (STH) license. Those who lack the capital adequacy and are unable to reach the TL 1 million mark within three months will have their existing licenses canceled.
The other primary change in regulations is that intelligence agencies such as the National Intelligence Organization (MİT), the gendarmerie and the police force will be able to impose infrastructural requirements on firms, and those not complying with the new requirements within two months will no longer be allowed to provide services.
Growing fears that Turkey is becoming an intelligence state have mounted since former President Abdullah Gül signed into law a bill proposed by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) last year granting extensive power and authority to MİT.
“The purpose of this is to monopolize and listen to Türk Telecom, to listen to everything and to make use of what they have in their hands,” said Ahmet Altunbaş, owner of telecommunications firm Adatanet, speaking to Today's Zaman.
Very few companies will be able to meet the capital requirement mark, said Ay-Telko telecommunications company owner Ahmet Çoşkun, which will force most existing companies out of the sector. “Secrecy will be impossible. If my entire structure will be monitored, there is no point in doing this work,” Çoşkun added.
Gökmen Köse, İstanbul (Cihan/Today's Zaman)
One of the regulations will require companies to have TL 1 million in capital in order to apply for a Fixed Telephone Service (STH) license. Those who lack the capital adequacy and are unable to reach the TL 1 million mark within three months will have their existing licenses canceled.
The other primary change in regulations is that intelligence agencies such as the National Intelligence Organization (MİT), the gendarmerie and the police force will be able to impose infrastructural requirements on firms, and those not complying with the new requirements within two months will no longer be allowed to provide services.
Growing fears that Turkey is becoming an intelligence state have mounted since former President Abdullah Gül signed into law a bill proposed by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) last year granting extensive power and authority to MİT.
“The purpose of this is to monopolize and listen to Türk Telecom, to listen to everything and to make use of what they have in their hands,” said Ahmet Altunbaş, owner of telecommunications firm Adatanet, speaking to Today's Zaman.
Very few companies will be able to meet the capital requirement mark, said Ay-Telko telecommunications company owner Ahmet Çoşkun, which will force most existing companies out of the sector. “Secrecy will be impossible. If my entire structure will be monitored, there is no point in doing this work,” Çoşkun added.
Gökmen Köse, İstanbul (Cihan/Today's Zaman)
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