On Wednesday (24 Jan.), major industry bodies, including the Sri Lanka Association of Software and Service Companies (SLASSCOM), Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS), the Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL), and the British Computer Society (BCS), collectively voiced apprehensions about the proposed Online Safety Bill in a joint statement.
The Information Technology (IT) and Business Process Management (BPM) industry stakeholders outlined four primary concerns related to the controversial legislation. They criticized certain provisions that hold online platforms and social media networks accountable as 'impractical' and warned of potential economic setbacks for Sri Lanka. Additionally, the stakeholders expressed worries about the bill imposing a significant financial burden on the IT and BPM industry.
Addressing the international implications, the joint statement highlighted potential violations of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) that could damage Sri Lanka's IT&BPM industry reputation globally. It emphasized the need for alignment with accepted regulations and raised concerns about limitations on authorities' ability to engage in international cooperation for data and electronic evidence gathering.
In response to these concerns, the collective of industry stakeholders proposed three recommendations for the government:
1. Inclusive Stakeholder Consultations: Call for wider consultations with stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive understanding of industry needs.
2. Alignment with International Standards: Modify or remove provisions conflicting with ICCPR and other international regulations to strike a balance between security and fundamental rights.
3. Careful Definition of Provisions: Advocate for narrower definitions to prevent unintended consequences and ensure compatibility with human rights principles.
The joint statement concluded by emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Sri Lanka's digital economy and called on the government to collaborate in developing legislation that balances security and industry interests.
