Abstract: The main purpose of this paper is to determine the
applicability of the constitutional social rights in the so-called
horizontal relations, i.e. the relations between private entities.
Nowadays the constitutional rights are more and more often violated
by private entities and not only by the state. The private entities
interfere with the privacy of individuals, limit their freedom of
expression or disturb their peaceful gatherings. International
corporations subordinate individuals in a way which may limit their
constitutional rights. These new realities determine the new role of
the constitution in protecting human rights.
The paper will aim at answering two important questions. Firstly,
are the private entities obliged to respect the constitutional social
rights of other private entities and can they be liable for violation of
these rights? Secondly, how the constitutional social rights can
receive horizontal effect? Answers to these questions will have a
significant meaning for the popularisation of the practice of applying
the Constitution among the citizens as well as for the courts which
settle disputes between them.
Abstract: As a matter of the fact that online social networks like
Twitter, Facebook and MySpace have experienced an extensive
growth in recent years. Social media offers individuals with a tool for
communicating and interacting with one another. These social
networks enable people to stay in touch with other people and
express themselves. This process makes the users of online social
networks active creators of content rather than being only consumers
of traditional media. That’s why millions of people show strong
desire to learn the methods and tools of digital content production
and necessary communication skills. However, the booming interest
in communication and interaction through online social networks and
high level of eagerness to invent and implement the ways to
participate in content production raise some privacy and security
concerns.
This presentation aims to open the assumed revolutionary,
democratic and liberating nature of the online social media up for
discussion by reviewing some recent political developments in
Turkey. Firstly, the role of Internet and online social networks in
mobilizing collective movements through social interactions and
communications will be questioned. Secondly, some cases from Gezi
and Okmeydanı Protests and also December 17-25 period will be
presented in order to illustrate misinformation and manipulation in
social media and violation of individual privacy through online social
networks in order to damage social unity and stability contradictory
to democratic nature of online social networking.