The Supreme Court of Turkey: likes under photos on social media may become grounds for divorce

The Supreme Court of Turkey (Yargıtay) ruled that likes under photos of individuals of the opposite sex on social media may be considered “trust-undermining” and constitute grounds for divorce. The decision was issued in a case from Kayseri, where a wife filed for divorce, stating that her husband systematically liked photos of other women, violating the obligation of marital fidelity.

The local court found the husband “gravely at fault” and awarded compensation to the wife. After an appeal, the case reached the 2nd Civil Chamber of Yargıtay, which unanimously upheld the decision: such online behavior was deemed a violation of the duty of loyalty and the “guarantee of trust” within marriage.

Lawyers note that social media is increasingly becoming an important source of evidence in divorce proceedings: comments, messages, and likes are actively used by courts when evaluating spouses’ behavior.