Sri Lanka's government has blocked all social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, following Sunday's deadly bombings that killed over 200 people. The move aims to prevent the spread of false news reports that could incite further violence. The suspension will remain in place until investigations into the attacks are concluded.
This decision highlights growing concerns about the role of social media in spreading misinformation and extremism. Facebook, in particular, has faced criticism for its failure to police hate speech and false rumors in local languages. In March 2018, Sri Lanka blocked similar platforms amid Buddhist violence against Muslims fueled by social media rumors.
Experts note that while social media can be a valuable tool for disaster response, its features also enable rapid dissemination of harmful content. The Christchurch attack and the Notre Dame fire misinformation incident are recent examples of such dangers.
However, blocking social media is not a complete solution. Joan Donovan of Harvard Kennedy's Shorenstein Center warned that cutting off communication during crises can leave vulnerable populations without access to vital information and support. She described the move as a dangerous precedent.
