COLOMBO– Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum has expressed its deep concerns over Sri Lanka’s proposed online safety bill, which raises serious questions about freedom of expression and digital privacy in the country.
According to a statement released on Tuesday Oct.3, the proposed online safety bill, as it stands, has sparked significant apprehension among civil liberties advocates and digital rights organizations. While we acknowledge the importance of addressing online safety and combating harmful content, the bill’s current formulation appears to grant excessive powers to the government to censor and control online discourse.
Some key concerns include:
*Lack of Transparency*: The bill lacks transparency and clear definitions of what constitutes “harmful content” or “disinformation,” which could lead to arbitrary content removals and censorship.
*Threat to Freedom of Expression*: There is a potential for the bill to be misused as a tool to suppress dissent and limit the freedom of expression, stifling political discourse and criticism.
*Data Privacy*: The bill seems to require the retention of user data, raising concerns about the privacy and security of individuals’ personal information, as well as the potential for government surveillance.
*Lack of Independent Oversight*: The absence of an independent oversight mechanism increases the risk of unchecked government control over online platforms and content moderation.
Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum calls on the Sri Lankan government to reconsider the current draft of the online safety bill and engage in a transparent and inclusive consultation process with civil society organizations, digital rights advocates, and the public. It is imperative to strike a balance between ensuring online safety and upholding fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and privacy.
We urge the government to seek international best practices in online safety regulation and uphold its commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens in the digital age.
The Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum (SLMMF) is a prominent organization dedicated to promoting the interests of the Muslim journalist community in Sri Lanka through the realm of media and communication. Founded in 1994, the SLMMF has played a vital role in representing the voice and concerns of the Muslim media and rye community in the country.
