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Turkish authorities begin probe into Twitter and Facebook 'insults' after weeks of protest

By Angela Haggerty, Reporter

June 27, 2013 | 2 min read

The Turkish government has asked Twitter to set up a representative office in the country following anti-government protests to enable the social networking site to provide information upon request.

Probe: Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Turkish transport and communications minister Binali Yildirim said social media channels had been told if they operated in the country they must comply with its laws, adding that Turkey had not seen a "positive approach" from Twitter.

Turkish authorities have been scathing of Twitter following anti-government protests, claiming it has been used to spread lies about the government and terrorise society.

A statement from rival social networking site Facebook said no user data had been handed over to Turkey and expressed concern about proposals which could force internet companies to reveal information about users.

Turkey's Aksam newspaper reported police had provided a 35-name list to prosecutors of those who had allegedly insulted Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other officials on Twitter and Facebook.

Clashes erupted in the country at the end of May over what protesters said was a heavy handed response to peaceful protests and have continued throughout June.

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