Turkey's Erdogan slams Facebook

Turkish prime minister says Facebook is 'ugly technology,' blasts e-mail too

Ynet|Published: 05.13.11 , 18:47

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed out at Facebook Thursday, dubbing it an "ugly technology" during a party meeting, Turkey's news agency reported.

Erdogan stressed that any type of immoral content can be published on the popular social network and openly presented to all.

Erdogan on Facebook

"This is an ugly technology," he said. "Pages on Facebook are ugly and horrible."

Despite the Turkish PM's qualms with Facebook, he maintains an official page on the site endorsed by more than 780,000 supporters.

However, Erdogan did not make do with criticism of Facebook and also expressed his displeasure with e-mail. In his speech, the PM slammed an opposition leader who charged that a minister in Erdogan's government sent an email to a senior source with a personal request.

"What does it mean, to send e-mail? Someone can send a letter using your name," Erdogan said.

The prime minister also blasted Turkish media for covering the affair extensively, charging that media outlets in the country are joining forces with the opposition in order to smear him and his colleagues.

"The media too lead the smearing campaign. They fan the flames every day via columns and TV broadcasts," Erdogan said. "The objective is to blur people's senses and draw voters."