Activists slam proposed online safety law

Wednesday, 20 September 2023 00:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Calls proposed law ‘archaic and oppressive’
Says law does not address online safety but is geared towards regulating social media
Claims Social Media service providers might also face legal ramifications under new law
Warns Foreign Service providers will leave SL than face stringent laws

By Maneshka Borham

Activists and politicians expressed strong criticism of the Online Safety Bill published through a Gazette announcement yesterday. According to the Gazette, the Bill aims to establish an Online Safety Commission and includes provisions to prohibit the online communication of certain statements of fact in Sri Lanka.

Speaking to the media, Former President of the Bar Association Saliya Peiris PC said that the contents of the Gazetted Bill do not primarily address internet or online safety but rather appear to be geared towards regulating social media.

“It seeks to establish a commission tasked with determining the veracity of information. Additionally, it encompasses numerous provisions that enable stringent punishments for offenders,” noted Peiris.

The senior lawyer argued that the proposed law would create hurdles for online freedom of expression. He accused the Government of crafting the Bill in a clandestine manner and not seeking input from relevant stakeholders.

“Once this law is enacted, service providers may also become legally liable for any offences committed. Given that some service providers are located overseas, this could potentially result in service disruptions,” he opined. Peiris said the proposed law should be challenged before the courts and the public must be made aware of its negative impact and dangers.

Meanwhile, the topic was also addressed in Parliament yesterday where Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva referred to the Gazetted Bill as an ‘archaic piece of legislation’.

He further argued that the Bill violates the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and thought. “Who is this commission to decide the veracity of information?” he asked.

The MP said communication service providers will be criminalised through such archaic laws. “Do you think Google, Facebook and TikTok will accept these laws? Can a bankrupt Government impose laws on powerful social media companies? They will leave Sri Lanka,” he warned.