Sri Lanka blocked Facebook, Instagram and other forms of social media Sunday as the country investigates explosions that killed more than 200 people and injured…
Sri Lanka blocked Facebook, Instagram and other forms of social media Sunday as the country investigates explosions that killed more than 200 people and injured another 400.
The decision to block social media was taken in reaction to false news reports spreading on social media following the bombings, the president’s secretary, Udaya Seneviratne, said in a press statement. The block will continue until officials conclude their investigation into the matter, media reports note.
Sri Lanka has struggle to stamp down sectarian violence. The government temporarily shut down Facebook and WhatsApp in 2018 to curb potential anti-Muslim violence. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe warned the public not to believe false information circulating about the bombings Sunday.
