Seven suicide bombers attacked three churches, four hotels and a block of flats in Colombo on Easter Sunday
SOCIAL media has been shut down in Sri Lanka as officials "can't trust" Facebook and WhatsApp to filter out fake news about the Easter bombings.
YouTube, Snapchat and Instagram have also been suspended as the country remains on high alert for follow-up attacks.
On Sunday, eight Brits died after explosions rocked three churches, four hotels and a block of flats in the capital, Colombo.
And it has now been confirmed that 310 people lost their lives with 500 injured by a total of eight bombs.
Today has been marked as a national day of mourning, but it appears that the nation's focus has shifted towards the fake news and 'crackpot' conspiracy theories released on social media.
Instagram, YouTube, Viber, Messenger and Snapchat were suspended alongside the two leading platforms, WhatsApp and Facebook, for two days.
Cybersecurity organisation Netblocks, which monitors internet freedom, discovered the block on Sunday afternoon.
In its latest update on Twitter, the organisation tweeted yesterday: "Update: Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Viber, Snapchat and Messenger have been blocked in SriLanka over 24 hours following yesterday's deadly attacks.
"VPN service Tunnelbear's website is now also restricted."
The government claimed it made the "temporary" measure because of "false news reports... spreading on social media".
Officials even went as far to suggests fake stories could prompt more violence in the country.
It's not the first time Sri Lanka has blocked social media.
Last year, social networks were blocked for eight days during anti-Muslim riots, after calls for more violence were reportedly circulated online.
Officials were slammed for the blackout as it reportedly cost their economy at least £23billion.
But some keen to stay connected have reportedly found ways around the current blackout.
Virtual private networks are being used to get around the online ban, .
A spokesperson for Facebook told Sun Online: "Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and the community affected by this horrendous act.
"Teams from across Facebook have been working to support first responders and law enforcement as well as to identify and remove content which violates our standards. We are aware of the government's statement regarding the temporary blocking of social media platforms.
"People rely on our services to communicate with their loved ones and we are committed to maintaining our services and helping the community and the country during this tragic time.”
Sun Online has contacted Facebook and YouTube for comment.
Today, Sri Lankan officials revealed Sunday's bombings were retaliation for the recent New Zealand attack in mosques.
Ruwan Wijewardene, a junior minister for defence said: "The initial investigation has revealed that this was in retaliation for the New Zealand mosque attack."
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.
