What Happened
On October 20, 2025, a major outage at Amazon Web Services (AWS) disrupted access to some of the world’s most popular apps including Snapchat, Canva, Duolingo, Fortnite, and Roblox. The issue began around 8 a.m. UK time and quickly spread across regions, affecting millions of users globally.
In Sri Lanka, users also felt the impact. Snapchat stopped loading messages and stories, Canva wouldn’t open, and gamers were locked out of Fortnite and Roblox. Even Duolingo crashed mid-lesson, leaving learners stuck.
Why It Matters
AWS is one of the biggest cloud service providers in the world. It powers everything from social media and gaming to banking and education. When AWS goes down, it’s not just one app.. it’s hundreds. That’s why this outage caused such widespread disruption.
Apps like Snapchat and Canva rely on AWS for login systems, content delivery, and real-time updates. When those services fail, users can’t access their accounts, send messages, or complete tasks.
Impact in Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan users reported issues across multiple platforms. Canva, widely used by students, freelancers, and marketers, was down for hours. Snapchat, a key communication tool for Gen Z, failed to load. Gaming platforms like Fortnite and Roblox were inaccessible, frustrating players across the country.
This shows how deeply cloud services are embedded in everyday life, even here in Sri Lanka. Whether it’s work, study, or play, we rely on these platforms more than we realise.
What Caused the Outage
AWS hasn’t released full technical details yet, but such outages are usually linked to server glitches, network failures, or software updates gone wrong. Because AWS supports so many apps, even a small issue can cause a big chain reaction.
What It Means for Businesses
For Sri Lankan businesses, this is a reminder to have backup plans. Many local companies use cloud-based systems for payments, deliveries, and customer service. If those go down, operations can freeze. Having multi-cloud setups or offline fallbacks can help avoid total shutdowns.
What’s Next
Most services are now back online. AWS is expected to publish a full report explaining what went wrong and how they’ll prevent future issues. Affected platforms may also review their recovery plans and consider compensation for users.
Bottom Line
This outage wasn’t just a tech glitch, it was a wake-up call. Whether you’re a developer, a business owner, or a casual user, it’s clear that cloud dependence comes with risks. Understanding those risks and planning for them is essential in today’s digital world.
