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Istanbul opens hate probe into American app Hornet after video surfaces

Two cybercrime police officers stand with their backs turned at Cyber Crimes Division in Ankara, Türkiye, accessed on August 5, 2025. (AA Photo)
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Two cybercrime police officers stand with their backs turned at Cyber Crimes Division in Ankara, Türkiye, accessed on August 5, 2025. (AA Photo)
June 05, 2026 10:42 AM GMT+03:00

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an ex officio investigation into Hornet, a gay social media and mobile application, over a video shared on the platform on charges of inciting public hatred and hostility.

Istanbul law enforcement's security branch conducted a technical analysis that identified the account holder, K.G., who was subsequently taken into custody.

Hornet application logo (Photo via Hornet)
Hornet application logo (Photo via Hornet)

What is Hornet

Hornet is a U.S.-based platform that describes itself as a digital space for gay men to connect.

The app has over 100 million users worldwide and also operates Hornet Live, a live-streaming service, and HornetX, a map-based web application.

June 05, 2026 10:42 AM GMT+03:00
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