It was observed that the use of social media intensified after two major earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş that shook Turkey. Twitter also became one of the social media applications that started to be used more intensively. However, in the evening hours yesterday, Twitter users started to report that they started to have trouble accessing Twitter.
TURKEY REMEMBERED ITS RESPONSIBILITIES TO TWITTER; TWITTER COMMITTED
According to the news of AA, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Ömer Fatih Sayan held a meeting with Twitter Head of Global Government Relations John Hughes and Twitter Director of Public Policy for Turkey Ronan Costello.
In the meeting, which was held via videoconferencing, it was reported that steps that can be taken against disinformation carried out on Twitter, as well as false reports, fake aid campaigns, fake accounts and false posts were discussed. At the meeting, it was also informed that Twitter’s responsibilities against disinformation that could lead the society to panic and chaos were pointed out.
It was also stated at the meeting that Turkey reminded the Twitter management of its obligations under the Law on Combating Crimes Committed on the Internet, especially active cooperation to prevent disinformation in social media.
At the meeting, it was learned that Twitter made a commitment to cooperate more with Turkey in the fight against disinformation.
According to the information obtained by the AA, at the meeting, Twitter agreed to cooperate fully with Turkey in combating disinformation, preventing false reports and fake news, and taking swift action against fake accounts.
It was also learned at the meeting that Twitter officials stated that they would show more sensitivity about the steps to be taken against posts that violate personal rights, disrupt public order, and endanger the safety of life and property within the scope of Law No. 5651.
MUSK MADE A STATEMENT
Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter, responded to a user’s question about the access restriction in Turkey, “We are working to understand more.”
VICE MINISTER CONNECTED TO LIVE BROADCAST
Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Ömer Fatih Sayan, who was connected to the YouTube live broadcast of journalist Cüneyt Özdemir at night, announced that Twitter was opened as of 01.00.
CITIZING ELON MUSK’S SHARE, COMMUNICATIONS HEAD ALTUN: “WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR TWITTER’S COOPERATION”
Elon Musk, in his post at night, said, “Twitter has been informed by the Turkish government that access will be reactivated shortly.” used the phrases.
Citing this post, Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun shared important posts.
Altun’s posts are as follows;
“Turkish officials had a productive meeting with Twitter yesterday. We are grateful for Twitter’s cooperation and pledge to support Turkey’s efforts to combat disinformation.”
“Disinformation is the common enemy of humanity and a serious threat to democracy, social peace and national security. We look forward to working more closely with Twitter in the next few days and weeks.”
EXPLANATION FROM THE HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS, ALTUN, ON EARTHQUAKE WORKS
Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun stated that the government is determined to provide shelter to everyone in need after the earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, and said, “Our President also announced that our government has made agreements with hotels in the surrounding provinces to transfer our citizens staying in temporary tents that were quickly set up. All expenses, including nutrition, will be covered by our state.” used the phrase.
In a statement on his social media account, Altun gave information about the earthquake works and reminded that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan went to Kahramanmaraş, Pazarcık, Hatay, İskenderun and Adana, which were affected by the earthquake yesterday.
Stating that President Erdogan will continue his investigations in other regions affected by the earthquake, Altun said:
“During his visit, President Erdoğan expressed his unwavering belief that our people will show the same fortitude in the face of this historical disaster as they have endured other disasters in the past. He underlined the importance of national unity at a time when such an unprecedented crisis is going on. He emphasized that he continues to work with civil society.
Noting that the response to the earthquake due to the winter conditions, despite the difficulties experienced on the first day and the second major earthquake that occurred approximately 9 hours later, the search and rescue efforts in the field became stronger in the following days, Altun stated that the works are still in the search and rescue phase and will not stop until everyone is reached.
Reminding that President Erdogan has set an achievable goal of restoring and rebuilding 10 provinces affected by the earthquake within a year, as in previous disasters, Altun said:
“Our government is determined to provide shelter to everyone in need during this period. Our President also announced that our government has made agreements with the hotels in the surrounding provinces to transfer our citizens staying in temporary tents that are quickly set up. All expenses, including food, will be covered by our state. With the total mobilization of our coordination centers in all provinces, Many initial challenges will be overcome, such as road closures and airport access, etc. Today, we are in a much better position to tackle all challenges, including fuel shortages and heating needs.
Our Honorable President especially emphasized that the provocateurs who resorted to disinformation to create confusion and anxiety in our people should be dealt with. The purpose of these people is to hinder our work and to undermine the will of the people. President Erdoğan also announced that emergency cash support will be provided to citizens affected by the earthquake to meet their urgent needs. He once again underlined our gratitude for the fortitude of our people and their tremendous effort to save their brethren. President Erdogan’s practices from the very first moment are proof of his strong leadership, which is much needed at a time like this.”
Stating that “As President Erdoğan reminds everyone, we will come out of this disaster not only on the right, but even stronger in unity and solidarity,” Altun said, “The day is not the day to engage in politics, we strongly condemn the statements of some politicians that aim to sow seeds of separation. As a nation, we are going through a difficult time. We invite everyone to refrain from making irresponsible statements and to be part of the solution.” used the phrases.