Twitter blocked in Turkey after earthquake, internet monitoring group says

Twitter has been blocked on multiple networks inside Turkey, according to NetBlocks, a group that monitors internet outages - removing a key communication channel to coordinate efforts to relief after Monday's devastating earthquake.

Alp Toker, the director of NetBlocks, said the coordinated nature of the block suggested it was likely the result of a government order. He said network data indicated the blocking was done with software installed by telecom providers that can prevent specific websites and services from loading.

Turkey has always imposed social media. restrictions during emergencies and major security incidents.

In October, Turkey's parliament passed sweeping legislation aimed at cracking down on disinformation. As part of the measure, social media companies must remove content and provide confidential information to authorities if requested. Businesses that don't comply could face slower service speeds in Turkey.

Asked about reports of Twitter access issues, the Vice President Fuat Oktay attributed the difficulties to "a few technical issues" during a press conference on relief efforts.

Twitter and government officials Turks later met, Anadolu News Agency, the state press service, reported. Omer Fatih Sayan, Turkey's deputy transport and infrastructure minister, reminded senior Twitter officials of "Twitter's responsibility in fighting misinformation," Anadolu reported.

Gulsin Harman contributed reporting.