Turkey threatens ban of YouTube and Facebook
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ANKARA (AFP) - Turkey's embattled prime minister has warned that his government could ban popular social media networks YouTube and Facebook after a number of online leaks added momentum to a spiralling corruption scandal.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan's proposals to tighten his government's grip over the Internet have generated criticism at home and abroad about rights in the EU-hopeful country.
"There are new steps we will take in that sphere after March 30... including a ban (on YouTube, Facebook)," Erdogan told private ATV television in an interview late Thursday.
In stark contrast, President Abdullah Gul, a frequent social media user, said Facebook and Youtube cannot be unplugged.
"Youtube and Facebook are recognised platforms all over the world. A ban is out of the question," he told reporters on Friday.
