17/06/2026 | Writer: Kaos GL
Hornet, an LGBTI+ social networking app with more than 3 million users in Turkey, has once again been blocked from access following a ruling by the Istanbul 3rd Criminal Judgeship of Peace. The app had previously faced an access ban and was restored after the Constitutional Court ruled that the restriction constituted a violation of rights.
Hornet, an LGBTI+ social networking and dating app with more than 3 million users in Turkey, has once again been blocked in the country.
According to information published on the website of the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK), access to Hornet’s web address, next.hornet.com, was blocked by a decision of the Istanbul 3rd Criminal Judgeship of Peace dated June 5, 2026.
Previously blocked over an alleged “violation of personal rights”
Hornet had previously faced an access ban in Turkey. Following an application by the Ankara Provincial Gendarmerie Command, the app was blocked on August 6, 2020, by a decision of the Ankara 8th Criminal Judgeship of Peace on the grounds of an alleged “violation of personal rights.” Hornet’s objection to the ruling was rejected without a hearing.
Access ban lifted in 2023
The company subsequently filed an individual application with the Constitutional Court through attorney Kerem Dikmen. In its November 21, 2023 ruling, the Constitutional Court found that the access ban constituted a violation of the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of communication. Following the decision, access to Hornet was restored through its website as well as via Google Play and the App Store.
Tags: human rights, media, life, lgbti
