Liberal Youth
XV. Liberal Youth Congress: October 27
The XV. Liberal Youth Congress took place on October 27, 2024, at Şişli Nazım Hikmet Kültür ve Sanat Evi, bringing together experts, activists, and young participants to discuss state surveillance’s impact on freedom of expression and media, privacy, university campuses, and lifestyle choices in Türkiye. The event was organized by 3H Movement with the support of Friedrich Naumann Foundation Türkiye.
After the opening speeches by Tarık Beyhan from FNF Türkiye and Ekin Siyahhan from 3H Movement, the program started with the Censorship session, featuring speakers Tunca Öğreten, Çağla Alkan, and Mehmet Yaşar Altundağ, who shared personal experiences and observations on censorship in Türkiye. Questions explored the increase in online platform bans, possible self-censorship in media, and the impact of social and political restrictions on freedom of expression. The speakers discussed how the tightening of control over media and internet platforms reflects broader efforts to regulate public discourse and widens fear, particularly for journalists, comedians, and social media personalities .
The Data Privacy session followed, led by experts Şevket Uyanık and Volkan Aslan. Discussions revolved around the implications of digital surveillance, government data policies, and data protection laws. Questions focused on how state surveillance practices have intensified post-9/11 and during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to more pervasive monitoring. Comparative discussions on GDPR and KVKK highlighted gaps in Türkiye’s data protection measures, raising concerns about citizens’ digital rights and privacy vulnerabilities. The discussion provided practical value, especially with Şevket Uyanık’s speech on digital security, raising awareness of privacy issues that affect every individual in the digital age.
The Campus Surveillance session provided a first-handed look at the effects of state-appointed trustees in universities, particularly at Boğaziçi University. Speakers Can Candan and Mine Eder, whom both part of Boğaziçi Resistance, addressed the erosion of academic freedom, with questions examining how security measures and direct interference in university governance have altered the learning environment. This session also highlighted the chilling effect on students and faculty, as increased campus surveillance restricts open debate and self-expression.
In the final Lifestyle Surveillance session, Florence K. Delight, a drag queen from Istanbul, shared insights into how state and societal pressures influence personal and lifestyle choices, especially for the LGBTI+ community. This session examined the state’s role in censoring artistic expression, the implications of Pride bans, and societal pressures leading to self-censorship. Florence’s experiences highlighted how lifestyle choices are increasingly scrutinized and regulated, especially after 2016, creating an atmosphere of fear that hampers individual freedom.
During the congress, various partners of 3H Movement set up their stands to introduce their organizations, including Freedom Research Association, Individual Choice Initiative, UniKuir, Human Rights Academy, HürKirpi and Liberus. Participants had the chance to build new connections and explore possible partnerships.