According to NetBlocks, a group that tracks internet outages, Twitter has been blocked on several networks inside Turkey – shutting down a key communication channel used to coordinate relief efforts following Monday’s devastating earthquake.
NetBlocks director Alp Toker said Wednesday that the coordinated nature of the block suggested it was likely the result of a government order. He said network data suggested the blocking was done using software installed by telecom providers that can prevent certain websites and services from loading.
NetBlocks later called that Thursday morning’s network activity appeared to show that access to Twitter had been restored.
Turkey has a history of imposing social media restrictions during emergencies and major security incidents.
In October, Turkey’s parliament passed far-reaching legislation to crack down on disinformation. The measure requires social media companies to remove content and provide protected information to authorities upon request. Companies that do not comply could face a slowdown in the speed of their services in Turkey.
Asked about reports of problems accessing Twitter, Vice President Fuat Oktay attributed these difficulties to “some technical problems” during a press conference on relief efforts.
Officials from Twitter and the Turkish government later met, reported the Anadolu News Agency, the state news service. Omer Fatih Sayan, Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, reminded senior Twitter officials of “Twitter’s responsibility in countering disinformation,” Anadolu reported.
Gülsin Harman contributed reporting.
