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Turkey

Turkey puts block on Twitter

It has been reported that the world’s second most popular social networking site, Twitter, has been blocked in Turkey, with users there unable to gain access to the site.

A large number of Turkey’s 10 million users who try to enter the social media site are allegedly being redirected to a statement issued by telecommunications regulators, which refers to a court order stating the need for “protective measures”.

The Prime Minister of the transcontinental country, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, had previously vowed to eradicate the website following allegations that point towards corruption within his inner circle, saying “We will wipe out Twitter”.

Several audio recordings that are alleged to be of Erdogan have been posted on the site anonymously, claiming to expose his corruption and portray his interference in court cases and business deals. These are claims Erdogan absolutely denies, dismissing them as “vile fakes concocted by rivals”. Speaking further, the Prime Minister said:

“I don’t care what the international community says, they will see the Turkish Republic’s strength.”

It is believed that Erdogan’s government also has plans to place bans on YouTube and Facebook as part of a reputation management strategy to defend the nation’s privacy. In 2010, the country lifted a two-year long ban that it had on YouTube after it claimed that the video-streaming site’s content was offensive to the nation’s founders.

Turkish officials have said that Twitter has not responded to their actions – and thus far, Twitter has not made any public announcements regarding the issue.

Alan Littler
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