Sri lanka social media blackout: a protection against misinformation, or interference in free speech?

We see it every day - misinformation spread on social media. It begins with a tweet, and before you know it, it gets shared and re-shared and the misinformation spreads.

The Sri Lankan government took the step to shut down social media networks in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday bombings. They say it was to stop the spread of "false news reports".

It's not clear when that shutdown will end. And as a result, many have been struggling to communicate with one another - arguably, at the time when they need it the most... to check in with each other and see if they're safe.

So is a ban on social media in cases like this a protection against misinformation, or interference in free speech?

Guest: Clinton Watts

Former FBI agent, who studies misinformation for the Foreign Policy Research Institute

Author of Messing With The Enemy: Surviving in a Social Media World of Hackers, Terrorists, Russians and Fake News

We see it every day - misinformation spread on social media. It begins with a tweet, and before you know it, it gets shared and re-shared and the misinformation spreads.

The Sri Lankan government took the step to shut down social media networks in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday bombings. They say it was to stop the spread of "false news reports".

It's not clear when that shutdown will end. And as a result, many have been struggling to communicate with one another - arguably, at the time when they need it the most... to check in with each other and see if they're safe.

So is a ban on social media in cases like this a protection against misinformation, or interference in free speech?

Guest: Clinton Watts

Former FBI agent, who studies misinformation for the Foreign Policy Research Institute

Author of Messing With The Enemy: Surviving in a Social Media World of Hackers, Terrorists, Russians and Fake News