Facebook

Facebook has been forced to deny it is shutting down later this year, after a rumour of its demise shot around the world over the weekend.

The Los Angles Times says a Weekly World News story sparked panic.

The satirical website quoted Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg as saying, "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."

The story pegged the site's shutdown date at March 15.

Now Facebook has assured users it is not going anywhere, with awall post insisting that the rumour was greatly exaggerated.

Other stories featuring on the Weekly World News include 'Alien Spaceships to Attack Earth in 2011' and 'George Clooney Running for President'.