Turkish President Abdullah Gul

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan approved a law tightening government control of the Internet and expanding the powers of the telecoms authority late on Thursday, part of the first legislative package he has effected as head of state.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul was among many who managed to circumvent the ban, tweeting his disapproval of the government's move.

Turkey's president on Friday ruled out a ban on Facebook and YouTube after Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan threatened such a move to stop political foes posting audio recordings purportedly exposing government corruption.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan approved a law tightening government control of the Internet and expanding the powers of the telecoms authority late on Thursday, part of the first legislative package he has effected as head of state.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul was among many who managed to circumvent the ban, tweeting his disapproval of the government's move.

Turkey's president on Friday ruled out a ban on Facebook and YouTube after Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan threatened such a move to stop political foes posting audio recordings purportedly exposing government corruption.