Updated

Facebook is aware of reports of disruption to its service in Egypt but said it had not seen any major changes in traffic from the Middle Eastern country.

Egyptians had complained Facebook and Twitter and other sites were being blocked and mobile networks disrupted. Egypt's government denied social media websites were disrupted, saying it respected freedom of expression.

"Having looked into it, we are aware of reports of disruption to service but have not seen any major changes in traffic from Egypt," a London spokeswoman for Facebook said in a statement.

Facebook has been a key means of communication for protesters.

Twitter also confirmed on Tuesday the Internet messaging and communications site had been blocked in Egypt, where thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest President Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule.

"We believe that the open exchange of info & views benefits societies & helps govts better connect w/ their people," the company wrote in a message, or tweet, as it confirmed the blocking of its service.