* Graph: Netblocks
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The network data shared by the NetBlocks internet observatory, which monitors and reports internet access and blocks in real time, have confirmed that Turkey has blocked access to social media platforms following the airstrike in Syria's Idlib yesterday evening (February 27).
As reported by netblocks.org, social platforms Twitter, Facebook and Instagram became unreachable at 11:30 p.m. local time in Turkey via national provider Turk Telekom and subsequently other leading service providers. Vodafone and Turkcell followed suit as of 12.20 a.m. yesterday.
Twitter blocked completely, WhatsApp partially
NetBlocks has also announced that while access to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram has been completely blocked, YouTube and WhatsApp servers were also partially restricted at the same time or shortly after.
"Although no broadcast ban has been issued to the public, it is understood that the measures are related to the troop deployment in Syria", the website has commented and added that "the restrictions remain in place as of mid-morning Friday and come amid a dispute over the number of casualties in an attack that took place earlier on Thursday in Idlib."
* The map of malfunctions shared by Turkcell
Former access blocks reminded
Under the headings "Wartime social media restrictions in effect" and "When was the last time Turkey blocked social media?", NetBlocks has referred to the aftermath of Operation "Euphrates Shield" and "Peace Spring" and reminded the former access blocks in following words:
"The same measures were understood to have been implemented as the Turkish Armed Forces and Free Syrian Army launch an expansive incursion into northern Syria targeting PKK/YPG and IS groups in the first phase of Operation Peace Spring. Another partial restriction was recorded during the October 2019 incursion into Syria.
"Similar measures were also previously invoked during the initial phase of Operation Euphrates Shield on Thursday, 25 August 2016 when social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Vimeo and Instagram were blocked throughout Turkey for a period of seven hours." (HA/PT/SD)
