Published: Less than 10 min ago
Turkey restricts access to the internet and social media after the explosion in Istanbul.
The authorities want to avoid spreading rumors and false information.
“Do not spread posts that can cause fear and panic,” writes Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu.
A large explosion occurred on the main street of Istiklal in Istanbul, Turkey on Sunday afternoon.
A surveillance camera shows something exploding next to a planting in the middle of the main pedestrian street where hundreds of people were strolling.
So far, 6 people have been confirmed dead and 53 injured, according to Istanbul’s governor. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls the incident “a heinous attack” and that the authorities cannot yet confirm what is behind the attack, but Erdogan says that “it smells of terror here”.
– Turkey does not bow to terrorism. All perpetrators will be identified and punished, he says in a statement, reports TRT and AP.
Cut down on internet access
The explosion occurred at 4:20 p.m. local time. Barely an hour later, the Radio and Television Authority of Turkey, RTÜK, announced that it had received word to issue a “broadcasting ban” that applies to all media organizations in the country, reports TRT Haber.
“Please do not rely on uncertain information but trust the reliable sources. Do not spread false information,” writes the director of RTÜK, Ebubekir Şahin, according to Cumhuriyet.
Fahretthin Altun, Turkey’s director of communications, said in a statement:
“All institutions and organizations in our state are conducting a prompt, thorough and effective investigation regarding the incident. In this process, we call on media organizations to take responsibility, not to rely on disinformation content originating from social media, and to take into account the statements of relevant public authorities as a basis,” he says according to CNN Turkey.
The organization Netblocks, which monitors Internet access in the world, states that access to Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter was limited or completely stopped by some Internet providers, reports Cumhuriyet.
The Information Authority of Turkey, BTK, confirms that internet access was regulated after images from the explosion were spread on social media.
Prohibition is introduced “for the security of the kingdom”
According to law, a temporary broadcast ban can be introduced in cases where “national security obviously requires it or in cases where it is highly likely that public order will be seriously disturbed”, writes RTÜK, on its website.
According to the Downdetector service, thousands of users have reported problems accessing social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook.
Shortly after the explosion, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu urged the public not to spread rumours.
“It is of the utmost importance to support the police and rescue units regarding the explosion at Istiklak, and not to spread posts that can cause fear and panic. All the necessary rescue teams are in place and we will share more information with you,” he writes on Twitter.