For millions of Turkish internet users, it is now impossible to connect to the Twitter platform. As the Internet observatory NetBlocks points out, network data shows that local authorities have restricted access to the social network. An initiative that is far from being the first, in a country where social networks are regularly blocked for the dissemination of content critical of the government.
This blockade follows the terrible earthquake that hit the country and caused thousands of victims. On Twitter, many netizens criticized the Turkish authorities for their reaction to the natural disaster. The blockade was implemented by the main Internet service providers in the country, preventing any connection to the servers of the service that Elon Musk now operates.
As many observers point out, blocking access to the social network is likely to hurt relief operations. On Twitter, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, a representative of the main Turkish opposition party, criticized this blockade, which has not yet been commented on by the Turkish government.
Also on Twitter, the politician invites Turkish Internet users to use a VPN, a tool that allows them to simulate a connection from a third country and thus circumvent local blockades. According to the American site Ars Technica, NetBlocks believes that this is the first block of this nature after a natural disaster.
Shortly after the earthquake, Elon Musk, owner and head of Twitter, offered to help Turkey through Starlink, his satellite internet connection system. A proposal rejected by the Turkish authorities.
Source: BFM TV
