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Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- Glasgow Times
Brits travelling to Turkey warned amid 'sudden' eSims ban
The country's Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) has reportedly blocked access to more than a dozen international eSIM providers. It means that tourists will be prevented from accessing the websites and apps of the affected companies. Brits will now need to purchase local sim cards or incur extortionate roaming fees to use their mobile data, unless they make this important change at the airport. Travel expert at international eSim provider Holafly, Juan David Soler, shared his advice. Mr Soler said: 'Turkey's sudden ban on eSIMs has caught many travellers off guard, and it's vital that UK holidaymakers heading there this summer take action before they fly. 'eSIMs have become the go-to option for Brits wanting affordable mobile data abroad without the hassle of physical SIMs or costly roaming. 'But now, travellers will no longer be able to activate a new eSIM once they arrive in Turkey. UK Passport Renewal Guide "To avoid getting caught out, UK travellers should ensure their eSIM is fully downloaded and activated before leaving the UK. This means setting up your digital SIM while still on UK networks, and confirming it's working properly before departure. 'Otherwise, you could be left without internet access the moment you land, which can be a serious issue if you rely on your phone for maps, transport, or bookings." Is it worth getting an eSIM for Turkey? eSIMs are more secure than a physical SIM because it can't be removed if your phone is lost or stolen. Travellers to Turkey are not affected so long as they purchase and install the eSIM before arrival. The eSIM ban is primarily targeted at Turkish residents buying eSIMs for international travel in Turkey. However, Holafly advises that there are several steps to consider if you plan on using an international eSIM in Turkey: Buy your eSIM before departure: Your chosen eSIM's online store will not work once you land. Recommended Reading: Install your eSIM before arrival: Use your QR or manual installation code to set up your eSIM before you travel. You can delay activation by keeping data roaming 'off' until you land. Save your QR code or eSIM installation code locally: This way, you can install your eSIM in Turkey without needing the provider's website or app. Download a secure VPN: Without a VPN, you will not be able to manage your eSIM solution digitally, check for remaining data usage, or contact customer service. It is important to note that the situation is changing, and the eSIM ban in Turkey may affect different users' connections in different ways.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Brits travelling to Turkey warned not get caught out after sudden 'ban'
Swathes of UK holidaymakers are being urged to do one key thing before jetting off to Turkey this year, after the country has reportedly issued a sudden ban impacting tourists Thousands of UK holidaymakers heading to Turkey this year could get stung the second they get off the plane following a major update. Around 4.8 million Brits are slated to visit the country this year, as it braces for a record-breaking boom in international visitors. Enticed by endless stretches of golden beaches, a ubiquitous history, and impressive architecture - Turkey appears to be capitalising on anti-tourist sentiment currently rocking countries like Spain and Greece. However, the country's Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) has reportedly blocked access to more than a dozen international eSIM providers. According to Holafly, the move means tourists will be prevented accessing the websites and apps of the affected companies. eSIMs have spiralled in popularity in recent years, providing travellers with a cheap and convenient way to access the internet on their phone - as well as to be able to make phone calls and texts. The alleged ban means Turkish residents aren't able to purchase international eSIMs until they're out of the country. For tourists, it's a little less black and white. You will still be able to use your eSIM if you purchase it and install it before you arrive in Turkey. Fail to do this, and you may struggle to get online. In a statement sent to the Mirror, travel expert at Holafly Juan David Soler said: "Turkey's sudden ban on eSIMs has caught many travellers off guard, and it's vital that UK holidaymakers heading there this summer take action before they fly. eSIMs have become the go-to option for Brits wanting affordable mobile data abroad without the hassle of physical SIMs or costly roaming. But now, travellers will no longer be able to activate a new eSIM once they arrive in Turkey." To avoid getting 'caught out', the experts have urged Brits to ensure their eSIM is fully downloaded and activated before leaving the UK. "This means setting up your digital SIM while still on UK networks, and confirming it's working properly before departure," Juan added. "Otherwise, you could be left without internet access the moment you land, which can be a serious issue if you rely on your phone for maps, transport, or bookings." Earlier this year, Brits were also warned of a little-known rule when visiting Turkey which could land them in hot water. While technically not a new rule, purchasing or distributing e-cigarettes and liquids is prohibited in the country. According to Reuters, many people still buy vaping products in the country online. "We've heard of so many travellers returning from Antalya, Marmaris, and Bodrum saying they were caught completely off guard," Mike Byers, a vape expert over at WickdUp explained. "Shops that once stocked basic vape gear now won't sell it at all — and if you're used to picking up supplies on arrival, you could be left without." If you're a serious vaper and can't give up the juice for the entirety of your trip - you are allowed to bring your 'personal supply'. This tends to be classed as 'one device, spare pods or refill bottles no greater than 30ml in volume, or up to 10 disposable vapes per person'.
India Today
09-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
Turkey blocks Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok over insults to President Erdogan
A Turkish court on Wednesday blocked access to some content from Grok, developed by Elon Musk-founded company xAI, after authorities said the chatbot generated responses insulting President Tayyip Erdogan, modern Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and religious over political bias, hate speech and factual inaccuracies in AI chatbots have mounted since the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT in 2022, with Grok dropping content accused of antisemitic tropes and praise for Adolf chief prosecutor's office said it had launched an investigation, and marked Turkey's first such ban on content from an artificial intelligence tool. Authorities cited violations of laws that make such insults a criminal offence punishable by up to four years in X, nor its owner Elon Musk could immediately be reached for comment. They have not referred to the decision on the month, Musk promised an upgrade to Grok, suggesting there was "far too much garbage in any foundation model trained on uncorrected data".Grok, which is integrated into X, reportedly generated offensive content about Erdoan and Atatrk when asked certain questions in Turkish, the media Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) adopted the ban after the court and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu was later cited by broadcaster NTV as saying that Turkey had not yet imposed a total access ban on Grok but that it would do so if necessary, adding Turkish authorities would discuss the issue with Akdeniz, a cyber law expert at Istanbul Bilgi University, said authorities had identified some 50 posts by Grok as the basis for the investigation, ruling on the access ban and removal of certain content to "protect public order"."Turkey has become the first country to impose censorship on Grok," he said on has in recent years significantly increased oversight of social media platforms and online streaming services, passing laws to give authorities more control over content, detaining or arresting individuals for posts, launching probes into companies and limiting or blocking access to certain say the law is frequently used to stifle dissent, while the government maintains it is necessary to protect the dignity of the office.- EndsMust Watch
NDTV
09-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
X's Grog Chatbot Blocked In Turkey After Responses Insulted Erdogan
A Turkish court has blocked access to Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot developed by the Elon Musk-founded company xAI, after it generated responses that authorities said included insults to President Tayyip Erdogan. Issues of political bias, hate speech and accuracy of AI chatbots have been a concern since at least the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT in 2022, with Grok dropping content accused of antisemitic tropes and praise for Adolf Hitler. The office of Ankara's chief prosecutor has launched a formal investigation into the incident, it said on Wednesday, in Turkey's first such ban on access to an AI tool. Neither X nor its owner Elon Musk has commented on the decision. Last month, Musk promised an upgrade to Grok, suggesting there was "far too much garbage in any foundation model trained on uncorrected data". Grok, which is integrated into X, reportedly generated offensive content about Erdogan when asked certain questions in Turkish, media said. The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) adopted the ban after a court order, citing violations of Turkey's laws that make insults to the president a criminal offence, punishable with up to four years in jail. Critics say the law is frequently used to stifle dissent, while the government maintains it is necessary to protect the dignity of the office.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Grok AI blocked in Turkey for insulting President Erdogan — Elon Musk's chatbot sparks outrage, faces first national ban
Turkey has imposed a nationwide ban on access to the Grok AI chatbot, developed by Elon Musk's xAI and integrated into the X platform (formerly Twitter). The move follows allegations that the chatbot produced responses considered offensive towards President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The ban was enforced after a Turkish court issued an order, citing local laws against insulting the head of state. The country's Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) carried out the implementation of the ban. As per Turkish Penal Code provisions, publicly insulting the president is a criminal offense, punishable by up to four years in prison. Court order cites offense under Turkish penal code The legal action was prompted by Grok's responses to user prompts in the Turkish language. According to local media reports, the chatbot's replies were interpreted as derogatory towards President Erdogan. These responses, now circulating on social media, became central to the court's decision to restrict Turkish law, speech considered insulting to the president is treated as a serious crime. The court ruling, therefore, provided grounds for the BTK to act swiftly and block access to the chatbot nationwide. First official ban of an AI tool in Turkey This development marks the first time Turkey has officially banned an AI tool on legal and political grounds. While social media platforms and digital content have faced scrutiny in the past, this instance highlights a growing focus on AI-generated material and its compliance with national laws. The incident also places Turkey among the first countries to take judicial action against artificial intelligence tools based on political sensitivity, setting a precedent in tech policy enforcement. Grok's history of content-related controversies Since its launch, Grok has faced repeated criticism for generating inappropriate and controversial content. Developed by xAI as a direct competitor to OpenAI's ChatGPT, Grok previously drew backlash over outputs that included antisemitic language and remarks appearing sympathetic to historical dictators, including Adolf Hitler. Despite these concerns and now a national ban in Turkey, neither Elon Musk nor the platform X has issued a public response regarding the recent developments. Turkey's ban on Grok reflects rising global tensions over how AI platforms handle political speech, legality, and national boundaries. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
