As Batın Yılmaz Law Firm, based in Beylikdüzü, Istanbul; press law, media law, internet publications, legal disputes arising from news and content, protection of personal rights, content removal from the internet, blocking of access, right of reply and correction, social media posts, legal proceedings concerning press organizations and journalists we provide legal consultancy and advocacy services within the scope of.

Press and media activities establish a delicate balance between freedom of expression and the press, and personal rights, the privacy of private life, the protection of honor and reputation, and other legal interests. Content published in newspapers, television, internet news sites, social media platforms, blogs, or other digital publishing channels can become the subject of legal disputes.

Particularly due to the rapid dissemination of news, videos, photographs, social media posts, and other content published in the online environment, it is crucial to accurately determine which legal remedy should be pursued against unlawful publications.

The legal remedy to be applied in press and media law may vary depending on the nature of the content, the medium of publication, whether the content infringes upon personal rights, the timeliness of the publication, and other specific circumstances of the case.

What is a Press and Media Lawyer?

A press and media lawyer is an attorney who provides legal consultancy and advocacy services for legal disputes arising from publishing activities conducted in newspapers, magazines, television, radio, internet news sites, social media platforms, and other media tools.

Press and media law is not limited solely to news published in newspapers.

Today, as internet news sites, social media accounts, video platforms, blogs, and other digital publishing channels constitute a significant media landscape, legal disputes arising from digital content form an important part of press and media law.

If it is considered that a news report is unlawful, violates personal rights, or contains untrue information, remedies such as content removal, blocking of access, right of reply and correction, compensation, or other legal paths may be pursued depending on the specifics of the case.

What Does a Press and Media Lawyer Do?

A press and media lawyer can take part in the legal proceedings of publishers, journalists, and individuals who claim to have suffered damages from publications.

Within the scope of the services provided by a press and media lawyer;

Legal consultancy regarding press and media activities,
Legal review of news content,
Legal evaluation of internet news,
Legal applications regarding violations of personal rights,
Processes for removing content from the internet,
Applications for blocking access,
Exercise of the right of reply and correction,
Legal proceedings regarding social media posts,
Legal proceedings against defamatory publications,
Applications regarding the violation of privacy,
Proceedings concerning the unauthorized publication of photographs and videos,
Compensation lawsuits arising from the violation of personal rights through the press,
Legal consultancy for journalists,
Legal consultancy for press organizations,
Legal consultancy for internet news websites,
Evaluation of editorial policies from a legal perspective,
Pre-publication legal risk analysis,
Legal support in criminal investigations and lawsuits,
Administrative and judicial applications

may be included.

What is Press Law?

Press law is the branch of law that governs the legal relationships and disputes arising during the execution of press activities.

Freedom of the press, freedom of expression, and the public's right to information are vital rights in a democratic society. However, the exercise of these freedoms must not violate legally protected values such as the personal rights, privacy, honor, and reputation of others.

Establishing a balance between these rights in press law requires the evaluation of all the specific circumstances of the case at hand.

What is Media Law?

Media law is a broad field encompassing the legal dimensions of media activities conducted via television, radio, newspapers, magazines, internet news sites, social media, and other digital publishing tools.

In media law;

Freedom of publication,
Personal rights,
Privacy of private life,
Personal data,
Intellectual and industrial property rights,
Copyrights,
Advertising activities,
Internet publications,
Social media publications,
Liability of press organizations

and similar distinct legal areas may come into question simultaneously.

What Subjects Does Press and Media Law Cover?

The primary legal disputes that may arise in press and media law include:

Violation of personal rights due to news reports,
False news reports,
Defamatory publications,
Violation of privacy,
Unlawful publication of personal data,
Unauthorized use of photographs and videos,
Removal of content from the internet,
Blocking of access,
Right of reply and correction,
Social media posts,
Internet news,
Compensation through the press,
Legal liability of journalists,
Legal liability of publishers,
Copyright disputes,
Legal consultancy for press organizations.

Internet News and Press Law

News published on internet news websites constitute an important area of practice in press and media law.

The publication of news in the internet environment does not mean that the news is lawfully compliant without limitation.

The truthfulness, timeliness, public interest of the news, the purpose of reporting, the nature of the expressions used, and whether the news interferes with the rights of individuals must be evaluated in terms of the specific case.

In particular, the fact that outdated news remains available on the internet years later can affect an individual's current life and reputation. In such cases, the legal nature of the content and applicable remedies must be examined separately.

Removal of Content from the Internet

If content published on the internet violates an individual's personal rights, privacy, or other legally protected rights, legal remedies may be pursued to have the content removed or access restricted.

However, it is not legally possible to remove every negative internet content or content that a person finds displeasing.

In evaluating the request for content removal:

Whether the content is true or false,
Is up-to-date,
Whether there is a public interest,
Whether the content constitutes an infringement on personal rights,
Whether the publication can be evaluated within the scope of freedom of expression and the press

are matters of significance.

Removal of News Articles from the Internet

To have a news article on the internet removed, its legal characterization must first be determined.

If the news is contrary to the facts, violates personal rights, or constitutes an unlawful infringement, the relevant legal remedies may be assessed based on the specific circumstances of the case.

On the other hand, it may not always be possible to remove lawfully published, current news that carries public interest solely because the individual is disturbed by the news.

Content Removal from the Internet and Blocking of Access

In disputes concerning internet publications removal of content with blocking of access may give rise to distinct legal consequences.

The legal remedy to be pursued may vary depending on the website hosting the content, the nature of the content, the type of violation, and the applicable legislation.

Therefore, it is important to conduct a legal review of the specific case before requesting the removal of content from the internet.

Protection of Personal Rights Against Internet Publications

News, photographs, videos, or social media posts published on the internet may affect an individual's:

Honor and dignity,
Reputation,
Private life,
Personal data,
Image,
Professional standing

When assessing whether a violation of personal rights has occurred, a balance must be struck between freedom of expression and the rights of the individual that require protection.

Right of Reply and Correction

Under press law, individuals may exercise the right of reply and rectification against certain publications concerning them.

The conditions and time limits set forth in the relevant legislation must be observed in order to exercise the right of reply and rectification.

Therefore, it is important to determine the date of publication, the nature of the content, and the characteristics of the media outlet to which the application will be made.

The right of reply and rectification is not an unlimited legal remedy that can be automatically applied to every internet content.

Social Media Posts and Legal Liability

Posts made on social media platforms may also give rise to civil and, in some cases, criminal liability.

In the event that a person against another person;

Uses defamatory statements,
Shares false allegations,
Publishes information regarding private life,
Shares photographs or videos without authorization,
Publishes personal data,

may become the subject of a legal dispute or, when conditions are met, a criminal investigation.

Defamation and Reputation Violations on Social Media

Defamatory posts on social media may also be evaluated under criminal law, depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

In addition, if the individual has suffered pecuniary or non-pecuniary damage, claims for compensation under private law may also arise.

Since taking a screenshot of a post may not be sufficient on its own in every case, the admissibility of digital evidence and the identification of the publisher must also be evaluated.

Unauthorized Publication of Photos and Videos

The publication of a person's photograph or video without consent may give rise to various legal issues concerning personal rights, privacy, and personal data, depending on the specifics of the incident.

Particularly in cases where images concerning a person's private life are published, a separate assessment must be made regarding legal and criminal consequences.

Privacy of Private Life and Media Publications

The privacy of private life is one of the significant areas of legal protection regarding media publications.

The publication of information, photographs, images, or other content related to a person's private life is not deemed lawful under all circumstances within the scope of freedom of the press.

Issues such as whether the publication carries public interest, whether the individual is a public figure, the timeliness of the news, and whether the content used constitutes an intrusion into private life must be evaluated.

Legal Counsel for Journalists

Journalists may encounter legal risks in many areas, such as pre-publication legal assessment, use of sources, interviews, use of photographs and videos, personal data, and publication liability.

To journalists;

Pre-publication legal assessment,
Legal review of news content,
Risk analysis regarding personal rights,
Consultancy on copyright and content usage,
Legal evaluation regarding the use of sources and documents,
Legal support can be provided

in disputes arising after publication.

Legal Counsel for Press Organizations

Newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and digital media organizations may encounter various legal issues during their broadcasting activities.

Within the scope of legal consultancy for press organizations;

Legal evaluation of editorial policies,
Pre-publication review of news reports,
Risk analysis regarding personal rights,
Evaluation of requests for reply and correction,
Review of content removal requests,
Legal evaluation regarding compensation claims,
Legal support in criminal investigations and lawsuits

can be provided.

Legal Counsel for News Websites

Since online news outlets publish content continuously and rapidly, they may encounter legal risks arising from their publications.

Particularly for news websites;

Legal risks of news content,
Personal rights,
Personal data,
Use of photographs and videos,
Copyrights,
Requests for replies and corrections,
Content removal requests,
Court and administrative authority decisions

are of significant importance.

Press and Media Lawsuits

In disputes arising from press and media activities, the legal nature of the dispute must be determined before initiating a lawsuit.

Depending on the specific circumstances of the case;

Lawsuits for the protection of personal rights,
Lawsuits for material and moral compensation,
Applications for the removal of content,
Applications regarding the blocking of access,
Right of reply and correction procedures,
Criminal investigations,
Criminal proceedings

may come up.

Violation of Personal Rights via the Press

If it is considered that a publication made through the press violates a person's personal rights, legal remedies may be evaluated.

However, the fact that a news report criticizes a person or that a person is the subject of a news story does not mean, in itself, that it is unlawful.

In the evaluation to be made by the courts, the balance between freedom of expression and the press and personal rights is taken into consideration.

Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Damages via the Press

In the event that a person suffers material or moral damage due to an unlawful press publication, compensation may be claimed provided that the conditions are met.

In terms of moral compensation, the nature of the violation occurring in the personal values of the individual; and in terms of material compensation, the existence of concrete economic damage and the causal link between the damage and the unlawful publication are of importance.

Before filing a claim for compensation, elements such as the entirety of the publication content, publication date, audience reached, and the damage incurred must be evaluated.

Criminal Liability in Press and Media Law

Certain acts committed in the press or internet environment may be subject to a criminal investigation or criminal lawsuit when the conditions are met.

For instance, acts such as defamation, violation of privacy, unlawful acquisition or dissemination of personal data can be evaluated under criminal law depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

The existence of criminal liability must be determined not merely by looking at the existence of the publication, but by taking into account the legal elements of the relevant crime and the specifics of the case.

Liability of Content Providers and Hosting Providers in Internet Publications

In legal disputes on the internet, the person who created the content and the platform or service provider where the content is published may not be in the same legal position.

Therefore, before taking legal action against internet content;

Who created the content,
On which platform the content was published,
Where the content is hosted,
At which internet address the publication is located,
The legal status of the relevant service provider

must be determined.

Litigation and Application Deadlines in Press and Media Law

The applicable limitation period in press and media law may vary depending on the type of application or lawsuit.

Specifically, different periods and procedures may apply regarding replies and corrections, applications concerning internet publications, claims for damages, and criminal law.

Therefore, upon encountering a publication deemed unlawful, the date and content of the publication must be recorded, and a legal assessment must be conducted as soon as possible.

Where is a Press and Media Lawsuit Filed?

The competent and authorized court or application authority in a press and media dispute is determined based on the legal nature of the dispute.

The same judicial path is not utilized for violations of personal rights, claims for damages, criminal investigations, applications concerning internet content, or other legal disputes.

For this reason, before filing a lawsuit or making an application, it is necessary to determine which legal category the specific case falls under.

Press and Media Lawyer Fees

Basın ve medya avukatlığı ücretinin tek bir sabit tutarı bulunmamaktadır.

In determining the attorney's fee;

The type of dispute,
The nature of the content,
The scope of the application,
Whether a lawsuit will be filed,
Whether there is a claim for damages,
Whether there is an ongoing criminal investigation or lawsuit,
The scope of the case,
The number of legal proceedings to be pursued

such factors may be taken into consideration.

In the determination of attorney's fees, the applicable Union of Turkish Bar Associations Minimum Wage Tariff and the relevant legislation are taken as a basis.

For current fee information, Attorney Fee Schedule you can review our page.

Is It Mandatory to Retain a Press and Media Lawyer?

Being represented by an attorney in press and media disputes is generally not mandatory.

However, since multiple legal avenues may arise for the same incident in press and media law, determining the correct method at the onset of the legal process is crucial.

Particularly in situations such as content removal from the internet, blocking access, violation of personal rights, high-amount compensation claims, and criminal investigations, obtaining legal support can help prevent loss of rights.

Press and Media Law Frequently Asked Questions

How can a news article published about me on the internet be removed?

First, the content and legal nature of the news must be examined. If it is determined that personal rights have been violated, various legal remedies, including content removal or blocking access, may be evaluated depending on the specifics of the case.

What can be done regarding false news reports?

Regarding news alleged to be untrue, depending on the nature of the event, a right of reply and correction, content removal, compensation, or other legal remedies may be pursued.

A news report published about me violates my personal rights. What can I do?

The entirety of the news article, the expressions used, the timeliness of the report, public interest, and the nature of the infringement on the individual's rights must be examined. If an unlawful infringement is found, the appropriate legal recourse can be determined.

Can I file a lawsuit against someone who insulted me on social media?

Defamatory posts made on social media may be subject to a criminal investigation or prosecution, as well as claims for civil damages, depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

My photo was shared on social media without my permission. What can I do?

Depending on how and for what purpose the photograph was used, different legal remedies may apply regarding personal rights, privacy, and personal data.

Is it possible to have an old news article removed from the internet?

Whether an outdated news article can be removed is evaluated by taking into account factors such as the timeliness of the news, public interest, the accuracy of the content, and its impact on the individual's current life.

Are removing content from the internet and blocking access to it the same thing?

No. Content removal and blocking access to specific content may have different legal consequences. Which method can be applied must be evaluated separately based on the specific case.

What is the right of reply and correction?

The right of reply and correction is a legal mechanism that enables individuals or entities, under certain conditions, to request the publication of their own statements in response to specific content published about them.

Is every news report produced by a journalist legally permissible?

No. Although freedom of the press is a vital fundamental right, news-reporting activities must be balanced against personal rights, privacy, and other legally protected values.

Can a non-pecuniary damages lawsuit be filed through the press?

If it is concluded that a person's personal rights have been violated and non-pecuniary damage has occurred due to an unlawful publication, non-pecuniary damages may be claimed to the extent that the legal conditions are met.

Can a lawsuit be filed against a news website?

Depending on the nature of the dispute arising from the publication of the news website, legal or criminal remedies may apply. The legal status of the relevant media organization and the content in question must be evaluated separately for each specific case.

Can a criminal case be filed due to a social media post?

If the content of the post constitutes the elements of an offense regulated by law, a criminal investigation or lawsuit may arise depending on the circumstances of the specific case.

In which matters does a press and media lawyer assist?

A press and media lawyer can provide legal support in areas such as the legal evaluation of news and publications, protection of personal rights, removal of content from the internet, blocking of access, right of reply and correction, compensation lawsuits, social media disputes, and criminal investigations.

Is it mandatory to retain a press and media lawyer?

No. However, since the legal remedies applicable to press and media disputes vary, obtaining expert legal support can be beneficial for the proper execution of the process.

Legal Support in the Field of Press and Media Law

In press and media law, multiple legal issues may arise from the same publication. A news report may be subject to a legal dispute regarding personal rights and, depending on the specifics of the case, may also be subject to review under criminal law.

Therefore, instead of focusing solely on the request to "remove the news," the legal nature of the publication, whether there is an infringement on personal rights, the scope of freedom of expression and the press, the right of reply and correction, the possibilities of content removal or blocking access, and any claims for compensation must be evaluated together.

Batın Yılmaz Law Firm, based in Beylikdüzü, Istanbul as;

Press law,
Media law,
Internet news,
Removal of content from the internet,
Blocking of access,
Right of reply and correction,
Protection of personal rights,
Social media disputes,
Defamation and reputational violations,
Privacy of private life,
Disputes regarding the use of photographs and videos,
Pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages through the press,
Legal counsel for journalists,
Legal counsel for press and media organizations,
Legal support in criminal investigations and lawsuits

we provide legal counsel and advocacy services in these areas.

If you believe that a news report, internet content, or social media post published about you is unlawful, the entirety of the publication and the specific circumstances of the case must be examined in order to determine whether the content can be removed or whether another legal remedy should be pursued.

You may contact us to receive legal support regarding press and media law.

Legal Disclaimer: The information on this page has been prepared for general informational purposes. The legal remedy to be applied in press and media law may vary depending on the nature of the publication, the medium in which it is published, the relevant legislation. and the specific circumstances of the case. A separate evaluation must be made regarding litigation and application deadlines. This content does not constitute formal legal advice or attorney-client services.