Change.org Türkiye Access Ban is Officially Lifted

Ender Öztürk

July 10, 2026

Change.org, the widely utilized digital advocacy and petition platform, has officially resumed operations in Turkey as of July 9, following the successful reversal of a nationwide access ban. The platform, which serves over 22.6 million users in the country, was initially blocked on June 19 under Law No. 5651 following a decision by the Kula Criminal Judgeship of Peace. After the platform promptly removed the contested content and initiated a rigorous legal appeal process on June 24, the judicial authorities ruled in favor of the organization. Consequently, the restrictive measures were vacated, restoring full connectivity for Turkish users who rely on the service for civic engagement.

Legal Challenges Shape the Restoration Process

The legal journey began on June 17 when the Kula Criminal Judgeship of Peace issued a mandate to restrict access to Change.org based on Article 8/A of Law No. 5651. By June 19, the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) had implemented the order, effectively silencing the platform within Turkish borders. Recognizing the urgency, the platform’s legal team acted immediately.

The platform demonstrated its commitment to local legal standards by removing the disputed content on the same day the initial order was issued.

By June 24, a formal appeal was submitted to the court. The judiciary reviewed the arguments and, on July 6, determined that the grounds for the ban were no longer applicable. Following the necessary technical adjustments, the platform was successfully restored to its millions of users on July 9, marking a swift conclusion to the three-week period of restricted access.

The Platform Continues Driving Social Impact

Since its entry into the Turkish market in 2012, Change.org has evolved into a vital digital bridge connecting citizens with decision-makers. With over 250,000 campaigns launched and 150 million digital signatures collected to date, the platform has become a cornerstone of grassroots advocacy. The influence of these digital campaigns is evident in tangible policy changes.

In 2025 alone, 97 distinct campaigns reached successful conclusions through the mobilization of public opinion. Past victories include the inclusion of essential medical treatments for MS patients under the social security system and the abolition of controversial horse-drawn carriage practices in the Adalar district. Furthermore, the platform played a pivotal role in environmental protection efforts, including stopping mining projects in the Murat Mountain region to preserve millions of trees.

Change.org proves that collective digital action remains a powerful tool for achieving meaningful societal transformation.

Leadership Acknowledges the Supportive Community

Didem Korkut, the Regional Communications Director for Change.org Turkey, addressed the restoration of services by highlighting the platform’s resilience. She expressed gratitude toward the NGOs, media organizations, and individual users who remained steadfast during the period of limited accessibility. Korkut emphasized that the outpouring of support reaffirmed the platform’s identity as a community-driven movement rather than merely a technological service. Looking ahead, the organization remains dedicated to amplifying the voices of citizens and facilitating direct communication with authorities to resolve pressing social issues.

How do you feel about the role of digital petition platforms in shaping public policy and social awareness? Please share your thoughts and experiences with online advocacy in the comments section below.