Freedom of expression on internet: Coşkun Ak case study

This thesis deals with using freedom of expression on the internet. Firstly, it is mentioned theoretical level communication and mass communication. It is argued what are the differences and similarities between traditional mass communication mediums and internet? It is also handled traditional mass media in Turkey in a historical perspective. In this first part it is evaluated legislation with view of law. Secondly, new technology and internet notion is discussed. This part also tries to find answers of these questions. What are the features of new communication technologies? What is the function of internet as a communication medium? Another title is broadcasting on Internet. It is handled Internet Broadcasting as online journalism and other features of internet. In this part another question is what is legal regulation about internet in national and international level? It is evaluated with different countries laws and especially European perspective. Some of the legal documents related internet broadcasting is Convention on Cyber Crime, European Union Electronic Trade Directive, and Declaration on freedom of communication on the Internet which is adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 28 May 2003 at the 840th meeting of the Ministers' Deputies.In the third part of thesis Freedom of expression is handled with theoretical perspective in national and international level. In this part it is aimed to answer these questions. What is freedom of expression? Why freedom of expression is must be protect? What are the restrictions of freedom of expression? It is argued and handled in a historical process according to Turkish Constitution, Press Law and Turkish Penal Code in a national level. In the last part of this thesis it is evaluated a case which is related freedom of expression on internet in a case study. Coskun Ak case is the first case about internet. It started in 1999 and after court of appeal the final decision is given in 2003.Finally after this case some legal regulation about internet arose. It is evaluated Number 5651 code related internet broadcasting.