Turkey turns Schengen visas into a pay‑to‑play system, while Big Tech blocks those who expose it

Turkey's controversial new visa policy has turned Schengen visas into a lucrative business for the politically connected, with reports suggesting that wealthy individuals can secure approval through backchannels. Meanwhile, tech giants are allegedly aiding in censorship by blocking access to those who publicly criticize or expose this system. This troubling development highlights the erosion of transparency and the rule of law in Turkey, raising concerns about its broader implications for EU-Turkey relations and the freedom of expression in the region.