Sri Lanka passes new law to ‘regulate’ social media
Sri Lanka’s lawmakers on Wednesday passed a bill aimed at regulating online content, raising concerns among opposition politicians and activists who argue that the law will suppress free speech. The Online Safety Bill, which proposes jail terms for content deemed illegal by a five-member commission, holds social media platforms like Google, Facebook, and X (formerly known as Twitter) liable for such content on their platforms.
Advocates of the bill, including President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s government, argue that it is necessary to combat cybercrime, including child abuse, data theft, and online fraud. Public Security Minister Tiran Alles stated, Sri Lanka had 8,000 cybercrime complaints last year. We all agree that we need laws to address these issues. This is why we are bringing this law. He reassured that the law’s intention is not to suppress the media or the opposition, emphasizing that all complaints will be addressed by the commission appointed by the president.
While the bill received majority support with 46 votes in the 225-member house, the Asian Internet Coalition (AIC), representing prominent tech companies such as Apple, Amazon, Google, and Yahoo, issued a warning to Sri Lanka. The AIC argued that the current form of the Online Safety Bill is unworkable and could hinder foreign direct investment in Sri Lanka’s digital economy. They called for extensive amendments to the bill.
Opposition lawmaker Harsha de Silva of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya party voiced concerns about the bill’s impact on democracy and the e-commerce sector in Sri Lanka.
This bill is a threat to democracy and will have severe consequences for the e-commerce industry in our country, de Silva emphasized.
As the bill passes, it remains to be seen how it will be implemented and whether the concerns raised by opposition politicians, activists, and tech industry players will be addressed. Sri Lanka’s move to regulate social media has sparked debates about the balance between combating cybercrime and protecting freedom of speech and expression.
In an increasingly interconnected world where social media serves as a powerful platform for communication and dialogue, various nations face the challenge of striking the right balance between regulating online content and safeguarding fundamental rights. The implications of Sri Lanka’s new law are closely watched by both domestic and international observers, who question its potential impact on free speech, investment, and the digital economy.
The debate surrounding the bill highlights the complex nature of governing the internet and underscores the importance of finding solutions that address legitimate concerns without unduly suppressing public discourse and innovation. As different countries grapple with these issues, the Sri Lankan case serves as a reminder that the regulation of social media platforms should be approached with careful consideration of the potential implications for democracy, freedom of expression, and economic growth.
It is crucial for stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions to shape effective regulations that strike a balance between deterring cybercrime and safeguarding democratic values. With Sri Lanka joining the ranks of countries seeking to regulate social media, the global conversation around this topic continues to evolve, shaping the future of online governance.
