Traffic Police Officers on Social Media: Is It Law Enforcement or a Public Show?

Nowadays, the number of traffic police accounts active on social media platforms is on the rise. These accounts share videos of fines issued to citizens who violate traffic rules. Although faces and license plates are blurred in these videos, presenting fines as a kind of success story makes it feel more like a show than an application of justice. It must be remembered that the duty of a police officer is to enforce the law, maintain public order, and protect citizens' privacy while doing so—not to expose them on social media.

A police officer boasting about fulfilling their duties on social media is ethically questionable. The law must be applied fairly and impartially. Article 134 of the Turkish Penal Code prohibits violating an individual’s privacy, and the Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK) prevents the unauthorized sharing of personal data. In this context, it is clear that police officers overstep their legal boundaries by making such posts, thereby infringing upon citizens’ privacy. This undermines the principle of "equality before the law" and erodes public trust in the impartiality of the police.

Of course, obeying traffic rules is the responsibility of every citizen, as these rules are crucial for the safety of both drivers and pedestrians. However, the authority of police officers to issue fines does not include the right to turn this into a public “hunt” and expose individuals on social media. Police officers must respect citizens' personal rights and carry out their duties within the legal framework. Such posts may violate the 5th and 6th articles of the Personal Data Protection Law, which regulate the protection of personal data. Sharing the personal information, images, or details of events involving individuals without their consent may have legal consequences. In such cases, citizens have the right to file a complaint with the prosecutor's office and initiate the necessary legal proceedings. Informed citizens can defend their rights through legal channels and demand that justice be applied correctly in response to these unethical actions.

In conclusion, following traffic rules is the duty and responsibility of every individual; these rules are essential for public safety. However, the police’s act of exposing people on social media while enforcing these rules is both legally and ethically wrong. Police officers should refrain from turning law enforcement into a spectacle and must perform their duties within the legal limits. 

Citizens should not remain silent against such unethical behavior and should work to protect their rights and ensure the fair application of justice.