ISTANBUL, March 13 (Reuters) - Several independent media

outlets in Turkey face a potential risk of closure after

algorithm changes made by Google led to a significant

reduction in reader traffic, a joint statement from the outlets

said on Thursday.

They said Google's algorithm changes since the end of

January had wiped out the vast majority of reader traffic to

their websites, previously directed through Google's "Discover"

and "News" tools, and had harmed their finances.

Independent news websites including T24, Medyascope, Diken,

and Birgun said that Google's changes also blocked the public's

access to news, adding that they would take legal action.

"As independent media organisations operating in Turkey, we

announce that we will stand up for our corporate rights, our

employees' work and the support of our readers, which have been

stolen by Google's actions, on every platform," they said.

They said they would apply to local and international legal

bodies, notably Turkey's Competition Authority.

A Google spokesperson, requesting anonymity, said its

changes do not target individual websites and that they are

designed to improve its search facility overall.

"We don't and would never manipulate search results, modify

our products, or enforce our policies to promote or disadvantage

any particular viewpoint," the spokesperson said.

In 2024, Turkey ranked 158th out of 180 countries in the

press freedom index of the free speech advocacy group Reporters

Without Borders. Its report said that with some 90% of Turkey's

media under government influence, Turks recently turned to

critical or independent media outlets for domestic news.

Independent media outlets in Turkey are highly dependent on

Google revenues as private companies are reluctant to advertise

on independent websites.

On Wednesday, independent news outlet Gazete Duvar announced

its closure, citing revenue losses triggered by Google's

algorithm changes alongside inflationary economic conditions.