Türkiye Blocks Discord: Role in Child Exploitation, Incel Communities Revealed

Discord, a widely used communications platform, has come under intense scrutiny in Turkey after revelations emerged about its role in supporting dangerous online communities, particularly those linked to misogyny, violence and child exploitation.

On October 9, 2024, the Turkish government blocked access to Discord after it was revealed that the platform was being used by members of incel groups that glorify the recent murders of two young women in Istanbul.

Discord exploited by incel groups sparks outrage after brutal killings in Istanbul

Discord, originally designed for gamers, has become a hub for extremist groups, including incels (involuntary celibates). These groups often express anger toward women and blame them for their personal failures in relationships.

Incel communities are known to spread misogynistic content, and in Turkey these ideologies reached new levels of prominence following the violent murders of Aysenur Halil and Ikbal Uzuner on October 4, 2024.

Nineteen-year-old Semih Celik, who murdered both women on the same day, was found to be an active member of these incel forums. He first attacked Halil in her home in Eyüsultan district and slit her throat.

Shortly thereafter, he beheaded Uzuner near the city walls of Edirnekapi and threw her severed head in front of her mother. These shocking crimes sparked protests across the country, led by women’s rights organizations.

Türkiye blocks Discord as concerns grow over its role in incel culture and child exploitation

The Turkish government quickly responded to growing concerns about Discord’s role in promoting violent online communities. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced that Türkiye had blocked access to the platform after discovering that it was being used to share harmful content related to child exploitation, sexual abuse and incel-related violence.

“We are determined to protect our youth and children, the guarantee of our future, from harmful and illegal content on social media,” said Minister Tunc, explaining the court’s decision to block Discord.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that authorities had arrested two minors who were moderators of a Discord group that promoted violent content. “These forums are breeding grounds for toxic ideas,” Yerlikaya said, adding that the investigation would continue to target other dangerous online groups.

Discord has long been criticized for its anonymity and lack of control on private servers, which has helped extremist communities flourish. This makes it difficult for law enforcement to monitor and prevent malicious activity. Although Discord has implemented security measures, critics argue that the platform has not done enough to curb the spread of dangerous ideologies.

Incel culture, its growing influence in Turkey

Incel culture, based on deep resentment towards women, is a growing problem worldwide and in Turkey. Members of these communities believe they are being unfairly denied romantic and sexual relationships and often blame women for their frustrations.

The ideology, rooted in misogyny, has gained global notoriety due to its association with mass violence, including the 2014 Isla Vista killings in California and the 2018 Toronto van attack.

In Turkey, incel forums reflect these global trends, with users regularly discussing hypergamy (the belief that women only date men of higher status) and glorifying violent figures such as Elliot Rodger, the perpetrator of the Isla Vista massacre . After the murders of Halil and Uzuner, police began monitoring these forums more closely.

Researchers like Miriam Lindner at Harvard University have examined the psychological roots of incel ideology. She has found that these online communities foster a sense of isolation and entitlement, which can lead to dangerous consequences. “The more these men feel rejected by society, the more likely they are to adopt violent fantasies,” explained Lindner.

Türkiye blocks Discord as the platform faces global challenges

Türkiye’s decision to block Discord is part of a larger global debate about the responsibility of social media platforms. Discord has faced similar challenges in other countries, including Russia, where authorities also blocked the platform for violating laws aimed at preventing the spread of extremist content.

The decentralized nature of Discord, where users can create private servers, has made it an attractive place for extremist groups and illegal activity.

The platform’s ability to provide anonymity has allowed incel communities to operate freely, raising concerns about how such platforms contribute to real-world violence. Despite implementing new security features, Discord continues to experience content moderation issues across its massive network of servers. Law enforcement agencies have called for greater cooperation from the platform to help identify users carrying out illegal activities.

In Turkey, blocking Discord is seen as a necessary step to curb the influence of incel culture and protect vulnerable users. However, women’s rights organizations continue to call for more concrete measures from the government. Activists argue that legal reforms, including the reinstatement of the Istanbul Convention, are needed to protect women from gender-based violence.