"We can confirm that Twitter was blocked in Egypt around 8 a.m. PT today," . "The block is impacting both Twitter.com and other applications," it added.

Protesters took to the streets in their thousands demanding an end to the rule of President Mubarak, who has ruled the country since 1981. At least three people were killed in the protests and fighting that took place, according to reports.

"We believe that the open exchange of information and views benefits societies and helps governments better connect with their people," .

Herdict, a project of the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University, which tracks user views, had earlier reported that Twitter was down in Egypt following the civil unrest.

The IDG News Service