Facebook and other social media sites were shut down after the bombing in Sri Lanka, but some warn that could make problems worse
In an effort to prevent the spread of misinformation, Sri Lankan officials blocked social media in the country after a series of bombings at local churches and hotels on Easter Sunday killed nearly 300 people. But academics have raised concerns that the decision could do more harm than good.
he companies and the Sri Lankan embassy in the U.S. did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In March 2018, the Sri Lankan government took a similar measure during a 10-day state of emergency following escalating violence between the country's Muslim and Buddhist communities. An analysis of social media following the 2018 ban by Sri Lanka-based researcher Yudhanjaya Wijeratne found the ban only dropped activity on Facebook down about 50% compared to the three days before the outbreak of violence.
"Bottom line: shutdowns are followed by a clear increase in violent protest & have very ambiguous effects on peaceful demonstrations," Rydzak wrote in a March tweet linking to the report.The ban represents a shift in how governments worldwide view social media in the wake of crises.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sri Lanka government declares curfew, shuts down access to major social media sitesThe Sri Lankan government declared a curfew with immediate effect, junior defens...
Read more »
The Latest: Social media services blocked in Sri LankaCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — The Latest on explosions in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday (all times local): 11:45 p.m. A group that monitors internet censorship says Sri Lankan authorities...
Read more »
Sri Lanka, citing 'false news reports,' blocks social media after attacksSri Lanka placed a nationwide block on social media sites after more than 200 people died in multiple attacks on Sunday. The government, in taking the drastic step, cited 'false news reports' it said were circulating online.
Read more »
Sri Lanka Blocked Social Media To Stop The Spread Of Fake News About The Easter BlastsThe Sri Lankan Government Blocked Social Media Fearing Disinformation Could Inflame Tensions
Read more »
Sri Lanka blocks social media after Easter Sunday bombingsSri Lankan authorities have blocked most social media services in the country following the Easter Sunday attacks that killed more than 200 people.
Read more »
The Latest: Sri Lanka: local militants carried out attacksCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — The Latest on explosions in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday (all times local): 2:25 p.m. A Sri Lankan government official says a local militant group named...
Read more »