Asia Internet Coalition refutes Tiran’s claims on OSB

• Reiterates the Online Safety Bill, in its current form, is unworkable and would undermine potential growth and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s digital economy

The Asia Internet Coalition (AIC) has refuted certain assertions made in the statement read by the Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles in Parliament concerning the Online Safety Bill. 

AIC Managing Director Jeff Paine said the Minister’s statement does not accurately reflect the substantial contributions that the AIC has made throughout the legislative process, which include comprehensive submissions as well as engagements such as hosting representatives from the Ministry of Public Security at the annual Online Safety Forum organised by the AIC in Singapore. 

“These engagements and representations eventually culminated with our last submission to the Ministry on 8 January,” Paine said. 

“Despite our commitment to constructive collaboration, the AIC has not been privy to proposed amendments to the bill. We unequivocally stand by our position that the Online Safety Bill, in its current form, is unworkable and would undermine potential growth and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s digital economy. We firmly believe that for the Bill to align with global best practices, extensive revisions are imperative,” Paine said in a statement.

The AIC is an industry association comprising leading Internet and technology companies. The AIC seeks to promote the understanding and resolution of Internet policy issues in the Asia Pacific region.