(MENAFN) On Wednesday, lawmakers in Sri Lanka passed a bill aimed at regulating internet use among its citizens. However, this move has raised concerns among rights groups, who fear that it could lead to a crackdown on free speech in the country.
The Online Safety Bill, which secured passage with 108-62 votes, intends to “make provisions to prohibit online communication of certain statements of fact in Sri Lanka” and “prevent the use of online accounts and inauthentic online accounts for prohibited purposes.”
Furthermore, the bill is going to create an “Online Safety Commission,” a five-member committee assigned by the leader, to “issue directives to persons who communicate prohibited statements under this Act to stop the communication of any such statements.”
The Sri Lankan government asserts that the bill is intended to offer protection against online abuse. However, rights groups have criticized this stance, contending that the bill is actually aimed at stifling dissent and criticism, raising concerns about potential threats to freedom of expression in the country.
“Sri Lanka is still reeling from an economic crisis partly caused by misgovernment and failures of accountability,” Human Rights Watch Deputy Asia Director Meenakshi Ganguly expressed concerns about the bill in a statement on Tuesday. “In 2022, months-long protests demanding reform toppled the prime minister and leader. Since coming to power that year, Leader (Ranil) Wickremesinghe has moved to stifle dissent.”
The Asia Internet Coalition, which is an industry group, had initially opposed the bill when it was first announced in September of the previous year.
At that time, Managing Director Jeff Paine stated in a release that “the bill provides for a draconian system to stifle dissent and Sri Lankans’ rights to expression.”
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