Service blocking
Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram
The Sri Lankan government blocked access to social media sites in the aftermath of the attacks that killed at least 207 people, in a bid to stop a spread of misinformation that could lead to further violence.
- Total Duration 16 days
Sri Lanka
- Population
- 22,037,000
Freedom House rates Internet freedom as Partly Free
Local impact
The Sri Lankan government blocked access to social media sites in the aftermath of the attacks that killed at least 207 people, in a bid to stop a spread of misinformation that could lead to further violence.
Related documentation
At least 156 people have been killed and 400 injured in eight explosions across Sri Lanka. The attacks struck churches and hotels. The country’s govt has imposed a temporary social media ban and imposed a curfew. pic.twitter.com/4p4yu9BSDa — AJ+ (@ajplus) April 21, 2019
SHOCKING! Sri Lankan intelligence agencies had informed the PM about the names, telephone # and groups that were planning the Easter attack on churches, but the PM didn't read or share the information. 200+ died due to the inherent clerical nature of desi politicians. Watch this. pic.twitter.com/B6vrRvswoA — Tarek Fatah (@TarekFatah) April 21, 2019
The government of Sri Lanka shut off access to social media after the Easter bombings to stem hate speech and misinformation. Was it really necessary? And did it work? We spoke to @NalakaG, @sanjanah, @yudhanjaya and @dharsha_J pic.twitter.com/u9IEtYevch — The Listening Post (@AJListeningPost) April 29, 2019
The Sri Lankan government, citing "false news reports," has placed a temporary nationwide block on social media sites after hundreds died in multiple attacks today https://t.co/Z23ONIatHA pic.twitter.com/GgzB2Ig375 — CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) April 21, 2019
Latest on Sri Lanka attacks: - At least 290 people were killed and hundreds injured in explosions on Sunday - Eight blasts targeted hotels and churches - 24 people have been arrested - The government has placed a nationwide block on social media siteshttps://t.co/HOr2ndrzmH pic.twitter.com/WpNn6zeDUj — CNN (@CNN) April 22, 2019
Sri Lanka is blocking social media sites after Sunday's attacks, citing "false news reports" https://t.co/PBZbF3uYfI pic.twitter.com/fxr7N1fQYq — CNN (@CNN) April 21, 2019
#BREAKING Brand new information from journalist Mahieash Johnney with @adaderana on the Easter Sunday church and hotel bombings in Sri Lanka: ▪️207 confirmed dead ▪️400+ injured ▪️27 foreign nationals killed, no reports of any Canadians at this time ▪️7 in custody pic.twitter.com/6Gibutiqr6 — Natasha Fatah (@NatashaFatah) April 21, 2019
An Series of Bombs Blasts Hit Hotels & Churches Across Sri Lanka This Easter Sunday During Services. 140 People Killed & 560 Injured in Coordinated Terror Attacks, The Entire Country Is On Lockdown. Pure Evil On This Holy Day. Sending Prayers 🙏#SriLanka https://t.co/hW3DD4u1pK — ∼Marietta (@MariettaDaviz) April 21, 2019
Other supporting information
It’s difficult to measure the effect of local/regional Internet shutdowns as most measurements are done at a country level. Learn more.