The Presidency’s General Secretariat classified income earned by public officials and academics working at state universities from YouTube, social media, websites and mobile applications as falling under the ban on commerce and income-generating activities in Civil Servants Law No. 657. After the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) requested an opinion on 17 June, the Revenue Administration prepared an assessment on 20 August and the Presidency’s General Secretariat sent its opinion to YÖK on 2 September. After the opinion reached universities, some academics removed broadcasts from their YouTube channels or closed their channels. Academics and lawyers criticized the decision, saying it could restrict the dissemination of scientific knowledge in digital media.
8 September 2026
Karar
