Algeria Blocks Facebook, Twitter to Curb Cheating in Exam

Students are retaking part of their qualification exams after question papers were shared over social media.

Algeria blocks social media to curb cheating. This image is for representational purposes. (Photo: iStockphoto)

Algerian authorities have temporarily blocked access to Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites to try and stop cheats posting high school exam papers online. Access to the internet through 3G mobile networks also appeared to be disrupted across the country on Sunday.

Tens of thousands of high school students are retaking part of their qualification exams after details regarding the question papers were shared over social media.

Earlier this month, Algerian police had arrested dozens of people, including officials working in national education offices as part of an investigation into how parts of the 2016 high school exams were leaked onto social media.

(With Reuters inputs)