Turkey blocked access to one of the country’s most popular social media websites, Eksi Sozluk, its latest move against platforms that it accuses of spreading disinformation.
(Bloomberg) —
Turkey blocked access to one of the country’s most popular social media websites, Eksi Sozluk, its latest move against platforms that it accuses of spreading disinformation.
Telecommunications watchdog BTK said the site — where users can anonymously post and discuss messages on any subject — was blocked on Tuesday, without giving a reason.
Pro-government media celebrated the move, with the Takvim newspaper describing the site as a “nest of disinformation” and Yeni Akit saying posts had targeted the Turkish army. Government critics including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu condemned it.
“The reasoning for the ban remains unknown to us, and we are trying to gather information from officials,” Eksi Sozluk said on Twitter late Tuesday.
This isn’t the first time the government has blocked access to popular social media platforms. Twitter, YouTube and Facebook have all been subject to restrictions. Most recently, Twitter was blocked in the wake of the devastating Feb. 6 earthquakes after the government criticized disinformation on the platform.
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