Sri Lanka struggled to contain the spread of fake news and disinformation in the wake of the Easter attacksCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan social networks saw a surge in fake news after the Easter suicide bombings a month ago despite an official social media blackout, highlighting the inability of governments to contain disinformation, experts said. Many anxious social media users switched to virtual private networks (VPNs) or the TOR network to bypass the order and keep communication open with friends and relatives as the extent of the carnage became clear. One video posted to Facebook showed police arresting a man dressed in a burqa and claimed he was involved in the bombings. The surge in fake news has further blemished the troubled reputation of social media -- which several years ago had been seen as a means to expand freedom of information -- in the region. - No answer -But for those unaware of the government ban or unable to circumvent it, the blocking of social media in the days following the attacks was a cause for panic.

Source: Bangkok Post May 22, 2019 04:45 UTC