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Twitter restricted in Turkey in aftermath of earthquake

Governmental restrictions on the social media app have been imposed even while rescuers race against time to reach survivors trapped under the rubble.

In this picture taken on September 30, 2020 shows logos of social networking websites displayed on a mobile phone's screen in Istanbul. - Turkey on Wednesday restricted Twitter in the aftermath of the deadly earthquake. (Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)
In this picture taken on September 30, 2020 shows logos of social networking websites displayed on a mobile phone's screen in Istanbul. - Turkey on Wednesday restricted Twitter in the aftermath of the deadly earthquake. (Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images) — OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images

The Turkish government imposed restrictions on Twitter on Wednesday, prompting widespread public outcry, where the social media platform has been a major tool in coordinating rescue efforts amid the destruction caused by two earthquakes in southern Turkey earlier this week.

Internet users are having difficulty accessing Twitter in Turkey, as websites that track internet restrictions and bandwidth throttling report that access to the site was restricted. The move comes as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is visiting the disaster zone, talking to survivors amid a mounting public anger over the government’s response.

Netblocks, a London-based internet tracking website, was the first to report on the restrictions.

“Network data confirm the restriction of Twitter on multiple internet providers in Turkey as of Wednesday," Netblocks said. 

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