Turkey has instituted a ban on social networks including Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) and Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) following its deadly terrorist bombings.
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The ban was passed in a decision by the Ankara Court denying the two companies the right to operate in the country after graphic images of the aftermath of a car bombing were shared on social media. Users reported that they were not able to access the social sites.
The country pulled a similar move by blocking Twitter last year after images of a prosecutor held at gunpoint by militants were shared on the microblogging platform. Analysts claim that the level of social media coverage has been very low.
TV networks have also been restricted on the matter. The TRT Station which is operated by the state is the only TV network that has the mandate to show the images of the bombing incident. The state also aims to limit the influence of the terrorists on social media with the intention of discouraging their attacks. Regardless of the block on social media, online communications are still possible through VPNs.
The bombing took place in a busy section of the city near a transport center leading to the death of 34 people 125 people injured. The attack on Sunday was the second bomb incident in the city in a month. The incident took place near the former office of the prime minister and justice and interior ministries.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that the attacks did not succeed in weakening the country’s fight against terrorism even though they were supposed to threaten the country’s solidarity and unity. Two security officials from the country told Reuters that the Kurdistan Workers Party might have been responsible for the attacks.
So far, no terrorist group has come forward to claim responsibility for the attacks. However, Efkan Ala, the Interior Minister stated that the name of the group behind the attacks would be announced once investigations are complete. He also added that some significant findings have been made so far.