COLOMBO: Sri Lankan government Sunday blocked social media platforms like the Facebook and Instagram to prevent the spread of false news reports after a series of blasts killed 207 people. The Presidential Secretariat said in a statement that the decision to block social media was taken in reaction to false news reports spreading on social media. The statement said the security forces were conducting comprehensive investigations into the explosions, and that the social media block would continue until investigations were concluded. Meanwhile, Facebook has activated its Crisis Response tool for the blasts, CNN reported. Sri Lankan Airlines, which is the ground handling agent for all airlines, added that only passengers will be allowed inside the airport terminal.

Source: Mint April 21, 2019 13:52 UTC