Turkish minister criticizes Google’s algorithm changes for reducing traffic to news outlets

Duvar English

Turkey's Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu on Feb. 27 addressed concerns over declining traffic to news sites due to Google’s algorithm updates.

Responding to Oda TV’s question about whether Turkey would take measures against Google’s August 2024 algorithm changes, Uraloğlu said that Google was subject to Turkish regulations.

"It is a fact that Google’s August 2024 algorithm update, which has drawn global attention, has negatively affected Turkish internet media. This is unacceptable," he added. 

Uraloğlu highlighted the Turkish Competition Authority’s ruling that Google violated competition law in its advertising and ad technology services and was fined accordingly. "Beyond this, we are also maintaining necessary contacts to ensure Turkish media receives better and fairer service," he said.

He added that Google officials claimed the updates did not target specific websites, were designed to improve general search experiences, and were not meant to manipulate results or favor any political ideology.

Uraloğlu stated that authorities would closely monitor the situation, concluding, "Our stance is clear: Turkey’s internet ecosystem must function fairly, and no one should face unilateral sanctions or unfair competition. That is why we will continue to follow the process in detail."

The algorithm change boosted certain news content while suppressing others, significantly reducing visibility for independent outlets like BirGün, Gazete Duvar, and Halk TV on Google News and Discover.

Main opposition CHP deputy chair Ulaş Karasu noted that independent outlets are required by law to meet specific traffic metrics to qualify for public ad revenues from the Press Advertising Agency.