1. How to Remove Content from Instagram

Instagram is a global social media platform that allows users the freedom to create and share content. However, problematic posts that infringe personality rights, violate privacy, distort fair competition, or constitute crimes may appear. Such content can be removed from the platform through various methods.

Content removal on Instagram can be achieved via two main channels: in-platform reporting tools and legal remedies. Instagram offers users a complaint feature. If someone is offended by a piece of content, they can click the three dots and select "Report." They then notify Instagram of the reason. Instagram reviews the content against its Community Guidelines and, if it finds a violation, removes the post.

However, this method only filters content that violates Instagram's own rules. If a post is illegal but doesn’t breach Instagram policy, it may not be removed. In such cases, the person must pursue legal routes for a more effective result.

2. Legal Regulation for Removing Instagram Content

Under Turkish law, removing digital content is primarily regulated by Law No. 5651 on the Regulation of Publications on the Internet and Combating Crime. Under this law, individuals whose personality rights are violated or who suffer damage from illegal content can request that such content be blocked or completely removed.

Article 9 of Law 5651 allows victims to apply to the content provider (like Instagram), the hosting provider, or directly to the Criminal Court of Peace. If the court finds the claim valid, it orders the content to be blocked. This decision is implemented by the ISP Association (ESB), which distributes it to all internet service providers.

Additionally, the Turkish Penal Code includes provisions on crimes such as privacy violations, insult, threats, and blackmail. A criminal investigation may be launched to remove offending content from Instagram. Courts may order content removal in both criminal and civil proceedings.

3. Methods for Removing Instagram Content

Several routes are available to remove content from Instagram:

• 3.1. In-Platform Reporting

Instagram users can report inappropriate content via:

• Clicking the three dots beside the post;
• Choosing “Report”;
• Selecting the relevant category, such as “Harassment,” “Hate Speech,” or “Nudity.”

Instagram then evaluates whether the post violates its Community Guidelines.

• 3.2. Legal Request for Removal

If the content is illegal and reporting through Instagram fails, a user in Turkey can apply to the Criminal Court of Peace to block the content. This requires a formal petition detailing the content. If the court agrees, it orders the content removed or blocked.

• 3.3. Instagram’s Copyright and Trademark Forms

Instagram provides special forms, in English, for copyright and trademark infringement claims. Corporations and artists often use these to prevent unauthorized use of their work.

• 3.4. Lawyer-Submitted Requests

In severe personality-right violations or complex legal cases, content removal requests can be made via a lawyer.

4. Criminal Content Removal from Instagram

Some Instagram content not only violates personality rights but may also constitute crimes under Turkish Penal Code:

• Insult (Art. 125);
• Threat (Art. 106);
• Blackmail (Art. 107);
• Invasion of private life (Art. 134);
• Obscene content aimed at children (Art. 226);
• Encouraging suicide, drug use, etc.

For such content, the victim can file a criminal complaint AND request removal via the Criminal Court of Peace. Court orders are immediately enforced through the ISP Association.

Importantly, not all offensive content is criminal; it must meet specific criteria to warrant legal intervention.

5. How to Submit a Legal Request to Instagram

Instagram provides legal removal forms on its official help site—with categories such as:

• Copyright infringement,
• Trademark infringement,
• Personal information complaints,
• Harassment, threats, hate speech, etc.

These forms are generally in English and must include: the claimant’s identity, the URL of the content, a clear reason, and supporting evidence. Incomplete or false claims may be ignored. Since Instagram is US-based, queries from Turkey are handled in English. Therefore, professional legal support is recommended.

6. Blocking Access to Instagram Content

Blocking access is another alternative—useful when the content is problematic only in a specific country. Instagram complies with Turkish court rulings by limiting access only to users in Turkey via IP-based blocking. Authorities that can issue such decisions include:

• Criminal Court of Peace,
• Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK),
• Public prosecutors (for criminal content).

Once issued, decisions are implemented via the ISP Association, and Instagram typically complies.

7. Conclusion

Removing content from Instagram is possible via platform tools and legal systems. While a simple report may work in some cases, others require court orders, especially for privacy violations, copyright infringement, or criminal content. Professional support ensures more effective results.

Social media affects not just freedom of expression, but also personal dignity and privacy. Knowing how to protect your rights on platforms like Instagram is crucial to avoid losing them in the digital space.