The United Nations Human Rights office has issued a statement urging the government to reconsider the recently enacted Online Safety Act, citing concerns regarding its potential infringement on human rights obligations.
In a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, the UN Human Rights expressed apprehensions over the implications of the new legislation, particularly its impact on freedom of expression. The post underscored the Act's potential to curtail fundamental human rights and emphasized the need for amendments to address the apprehensions raised by civil society and industry groups.
"The new Online Safety Act will have far-reaching negative implications for human rights, including freedom of expression," the UN Human Rights stated in their social media post.
The Act, which garnered widespread criticism both domestically and internationally, officially became law following its endorsement by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena yesterday. The enactment of the Act has sparked debate and concern among various stakeholders regarding its compatibility with international human rights standards.
