Statements of “deadly misinformation” were issued today by Turkey’s Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, noting that the state will do its best to deal with the phenomenon in the midst of the incalculable tragedy in Turkey following last Monday’s earthquake.

“Many local and foreign experts drew attention to the scale and unprecedented nature of the natural disaster that Turkey has experienced. “Satellite images show earthquakes that shook the earth, show the extent of destruction,” Altun said.

“However, unfortunately, this process is accompanied by another risk that threatens people’s lives. We have seen first hand that disinformation puts even lives at risk during natural disasters, terrorist attacks and other emergencies,” he added, denouncing the fake news circulating, according to him, on social networks.

“The unconfirmed and false information circulating on social networks and various digital applications has significantly hampered rescue efforts during the recent earthquake. Both the victims of the earthquake and those who selflessly worked in the fields suffered greatly from this. For example, last night we faced irreversible consequences when citizens faced a new injury while trying to evacuate the city due to the lie that “the dam in Khatai has collapsed and the city will be flooded”, which led to the suspension of search and rescue operations.” , said a close associate of the Turkish president.

“During this process, we have clearly observed how social media algorithms work, amplifying disinformation and pushing accurate information into the background. So we should all be vigilant about accounts and people spreading disinformation.

These days, we once again realize the importance of being united and united. Once again I pray to Allah for mercy to our departed fellow citizens and a speedy recovery to the injured. I wish good luck to our country,” Fakhrettin Altun said.

After the ban on Twitter

The statements by the director of public relations of the Turkish presidency came days after a 12-hour Twitter block in Turkey followed sharp criticism from citizens over the government’s response to the disaster.

Turkey’s decision blocked access to Twitter from around 12 noon last Wednesday until early Thursday morning as people struggled to find loved ones in the aftermath of devastating earthquakes, sparking public outrage at the pace of government response.

Opposition leaders and social media users have criticized the blocking of access to a platform that helps people share information about the arrival of aid and the whereabouts of those still trapped under rubble after Monday’s earthquake.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government has blocked access to social media in the past and has focused in recent months on what it calls “disinformation,” leading to yesterday’s block.

A government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the move temporarily put a stop to actual calls for help, but the action was taken quickly and the service returned to normal.

“This had to be done because some accounts had false statements, slander, insults and posts with fraudulent intent,” the official told Reuters, citing attempts to steal money under the guise of collecting aid.

Recall that in October last year, the Turkish Parliament passed a law according to which journalists and users of social networks could face up to three years in prison for spreading “disinformation” that raised concerns of human rights groups and European countries about freedom of speech.

Erdogan’s ruling party has argued that a law is needed to crack down on false accusations on social media that won’t silence the opposition. The issue is becoming increasingly important in connection with the elections scheduled for 14 May.