Sri Lanka passes controversial bill to regulate online content

Sri Lanka’s lawmakers passed a bill on Wednesday regulating internet use among its citizens, in a move that has sparked fears among rights groups of a free speech crackdown.

Sri Lanka’s lawmakers passed a bill on Wednesday regulating internet use among its citizens, in a move that has sparked fears among rights groups of a free speech crackdown. The Online Safety Bill, which passed with 108-62 votes, aims 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.” The bill will also create an “Online Safety Commission,” a five-member committee appointed by the president, to “issue directives to persons who communicate prohibited statements under this Act to stop the communication of any such statements.” Sri Lanka’s government says the bill will provide protection against online abuse, but rights groups have criticized its position, claiming the bill is instead aimed at stifling dissent and criticism. “Sri Lanka is still reeling from an economic crisis partly caused by misgovernment and failures of accountability,” said Human Rights Watch Deputy Asia Director Meenakshi Ganguly in a statement Tuesday. “In 2022, months-long protests demanding reform toppled the prime minister and president. Since coming to power that year, President (Ranil) Wickremesinghe has moved to stifle dissent.” The Asia Internet Coalition, an industry group, opposed the bill when it was first announced in September last year.