Turkey Faces Social Media Blackout After TUSAS Attack

Turkey experienced a sudden social media blackout on Wednesday. Platforms like X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok went offline shortly after terrorists stormed the premises of Turkish aerospace and defense company TUSAS.
According to NetBlocks, a global internet observatory that monitors cybersecurity and digital governance, the disruption began within minutes of the attack. Users across the country reported connection failures and restricted access to all major platforms.

Government and Public Response

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the blackout was intentional or a result of technical instability. However, cybersecurity experts believe it may have been a precautionary measure to stop misinformation from spreading online.
In addition, local media outlets stated that the outage coincided with emergency security operations near Ankara, where TUSAS headquarters are located. As a result, speculation about state-imposed restrictions quickly grew on social networks.

Growing Concerns Over Digital Freedom

Human rights advocates expressed concern over the lack of communication channels during crises. They argued that blocking social media could isolate citizens and hinder information flow during emergencies.
However, some officials defended the move, claiming it helped maintain national security. The incident reignited debate over the balance between security and free expression in Turkey.
As of late Wednesday, partial access had been restored to some platforms. Internet watchdogs continue to monitor the situation closely.