Forum to formulate technical procedures to combat misusing of social media

Wednesday, 21 March 2018 02:52 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

While appreciating the Government’s quick response and various measures taken to avoid spreading violence across the country, the Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL) requested the Government to restore the normalcy for the social media use once the situation became under control.

However, as responsible professionals, the CSSL is proposing to the Government to open a dialogue with key stakeholders as to how such situations can be better managed in the future, and what processes can be implemented to have a more conducive and peaceful digital environment.

In this context, CSSL Executive Council headed up by its President Yasas V. Abeywickrama has decided to gather the technical experts and formulate ways of better managing social media whilst ensuring freedom of speech. Abeywickrama said, “We call all technical experts on matters such as internet management, internet security, hate content detection, social media monitoring tools etc, to participate at the upcoming focus group forum. With these experts and interested individuals, we will formulate the proposals to forward to the Government.”

The forum for the experts will be held on 23 March 6 p.m. at CSSL Professional Center at 275/75, Prof. Stanley Wijesundara Mawatha, Colombo 7.

The CSSL was established in 1976 in Sri Lanka by a group of dedicated professionals for the purpose of promoting Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and professionalism among those engaged in this field, and to maintain the highest professional standards among the ICT professionals. CSSL has played this role for over 40 years and is the apex body for ICT professionals in Sri Lanka. It is a not-for-profit body. The CSSL is best known in Sri Lanka for hosting the National IT Conference (NITC) which provides a platform for national and international speakers to present papers.

CSSL also organises the National Schools’ Software Competition (NSSC) as well as the popular IT MasterMind Television Quiz Show that is nationally televised on ITN. These activities have collectively led to a surge in popularity for the CSSL and also for a renewed energy in driving large projects for building awareness and capacity. The CSSL also provides networking opportunities as well as workshops and seminars that are organised on a regular basis.