Widespread rumours that social networking behemoth Facebook is to shut down on March the 15th have been branded “silliness” by the company’s Director of Corporate Communications.

The lofty claim, seemingly crafted from nothing and accredited to Weekly World News, a US based website known for its distinct lack of reputable accuracy and standards, went viral over the weekend with many of Facebook’s near 600 million users mourning the loss of the internet giant.

Crafted around a claimed Mark Zuckerberg quote, the falsified report suggested the Facebook founder had stated: “Facebook has gotten out of control and the stress of managing this company has ruined my life. I need to put an end to all the madness.” It went on to state: “users will no longer be able to access their Facebook account' from March 15.”

Questioned on the apparent imminent Facebook closure, the social site’s Director of Corporate Communications Larry Yu, has since settled user’s minds stating when asked if Facebook is to shut down: "The answer is no, so please help us put an end to this silliness."

Yu went on to add: "We didn't get the memo about shutting down and there's lots to do, so we'll just keep cranking away like always."

How would you take a short-notice closure to Facebook and the loss of its socially engaging powers? Let us know via the T3 Twitter and, if it remains to be, Facebook pages.

Via: CNN