In this article
Reviewed September 2026
Online posts and messages can lead to criminal liability, but not every harsh or offensive statement is a crime. The exact words, context, intent, audience and evidence matter. Preserve the original material and seek advice before deleting or reposting it.
1. Can social-media posts lead to criminal liability?
A post, comment, direct message or voice note may be examined if it contains elements of an offence. Context matters: criticism, a factual allegation, an insult, a serious threat and a demand for gain are legally different. The whole conversation and the identity of the speaker should be assessed.
2. Insult under Article 125 of the Criminal Code
Article 125 addresses insulting a person by attributing a concrete act or fact, or through abusive language, in the circumstances set by law. The target must generally be identifiable. Publicity or the use of online channels may affect the legal assessment. Criticism is not automatically an insult; the exact expression and context matter.
3. Threats under Article 106
Article 106 concerns threatening a person with an attack on life, bodily or sexual integrity, or property in the situations covered by the statute. A rude statement or angry exchange does not automatically meet the offence. The content, seriousness, context and whether the threat reached the person should be examined.
4. Blackmail under Article 107
Article 107 concerns compelling a person through threats to do or not do something, or to obtain an unlawful benefit by threatening to disclose or attribute damaging information. A demand, threat and purpose must be assessed together. A disagreement or request for repayment is not automatically blackmail.
5. Are screenshots evidence?
A screenshot can help show content but may not alone establish who created it, whether it is complete or whether it was altered. Preserve the original device, message link, account details, date, surrounding conversation and any platform report. Do not crop or edit the only copy.
6. Identifying accounts and IP information
Authorities may request subscriber or traffic data from platforms and service providers under applicable procedures. An IP address is not, by itself, proof of who used an account at a particular time. Preserve device and account information and avoid accessing another person’s account.
7. Complaint periods
Deadlines depend on the offence and the way it was committed. Some insult cases require a complaint, while other offences may be investigated without one; limitation and complaint periods are not interchangeable. Check the exact allegation, date and any special statutory rule promptly.
8. Reconciliation in these offences
Reconciliation applies only to offences listed by law and under statutory conditions. It may affect whether proceedings continue, but it is not available for every online insult, threat or blackmail allegation. Do not sign a settlement or waive rights without understanding its scope and legal effect.
9. Conclusion
Save the complete evidence and identify the exact words and legal allegation. The criminal classification, complaint requirement and deadline depend on the facts and current law.
Sources
Original source titles and links are retained below in Turkish.
- [1] Görüşme Talebi Open source (in Turkish)
This article is general information, not legal advice. Check the facts and current rules in each case.