Twitter restricted in Turkey after the earthquake amid disinformation fear

Global internet monitor NetBlocks reported that Twitter has been restricted in Turkey in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Global internet monitor NetBlocks reported that network data confirm that Twitter has been restricted in Turkey in the aftermath of the earthquake.

The data show that multiple internet providers in Turkey blocked the popular platform as of Wednesday 8 February 2023. TurkTelekom and Turkcell have completely blocked access to Twitter, while Vodafone still allows slower access to Twitter, reported the Balkaninsight website. NetBlocks metrics confirm that the social network Twitter has been restricted by “means of SNI filtering on major internet providers.”

The decision of the government to block Twitter followed growing public anger towards the Turkish government’s response to the devastating earthquakes.

Turkish authorities raise concerns over disinformation online that can destabilize the political contest in the country while responding to this emergency.

⚠️ Confirmed: Real-time network data show Twitter has been restricted in #Turkey; the filtering is applied on major internet providers and comes as the public come to rely on the service in the aftermath of a series of deadly earthquakes

📰 Report: https://t.co/CEbfgeBpvz pic.twitter.com/3884wMpYD2

— NetBlocks (@netblocks) February 8, 2023

“Network data confirm the restriction of Twitter on multiple internet providers in Turkey as of Wednesday 8 February 2023.” reported Netblocks. “Service was restored the next morning after state media reported that Turkish authorities had held a meeting with Twitter’s head of policy on disinformation and the need for content takedowns.”

⚠️ Update: Live metrics show that the Twitter restriction in #Turkey has been extended to more internet providers. The filtering measure is likely to impact community rescue efforts underway after the series of deadly earthquakes on Monday.

📰 Report: https://t.co/CEbfgeBpvz pic.twitter.com/51j66jAydA

— NetBlocks (@netblocks) February 8, 2023

However, the use of VPN services can be used by people in the country to circumvent internet censorship measures. Twitter remains a crucial source of information for relatives of victims, survivors, and rescuers.

It is important to highlight that natural disasters usually have a significant impact on internet connectivity. NetBlocks reported similar problems in Turkey after the earthquake as reported the by following tweet from the organization:

⚠️ Confirmed: A 7.8 magnitude earthquake has knocked out power and internet connectivity in parts of southern #Turkey; the impact to communications may affect the public's ability to seek assistance, with hundreds of casualties reported 📉 #Deprem pic.twitter.com/ppXEbB5Q4p

— NetBlocks (@netblocks) February 6, 2023

The use of internet filtering in the aftermath of an earthquake is absurd, because of its impact on the population that is facing a tragic situation.

This isn’t the first time that the government restricted access to social media following events like terror attacks and protests.

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Pierluigi Paganini

(SecurityAffairs – hacking, Turkey)