Internet Shutdowns

On 6 February 2023, a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southern and central Türkiye and northern and western Syria, resulting in more than 36,000 deaths. On 8 February, Twitter was inaccessible via major Turkish mobile providers, as online criticism of the government's response to the disaster mounted. Social messaging apps are often used as an essential tool during emergencies. Blocking access impacts the ability of citizens to get accurate and timely information and it also becomes harder for citizens to contact family members and friends in other parts of the country, or in other countries. The efforts of first responders and healthcare providers can also be hindered if a shutdown prevents their ability to effectively coordinate and communicate.

Twitter restricted on Turkcell Superonline internet provider across Turkey from 2:20 a.m. UTC (5:20 a.m. local time); 

Network data from the NetBlocks internet observatory confirm that Turkey has blocked access to social media and messaging platforms in the southern cities of Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa and Hatay, as the country launches military operation Peace Spring into northern Syria.