The Cabinet of Ministers has approved several amendments to the Online Safety Act following proposals submitted by industry professionals.
In response, the Legal Draftsman has been tasked with drafting a bill to amend the contentious legislation, as proposed by the Public Security Minister during a Cabinet meeting on Monday, February 12th.
Initially passed in Parliament on January 24th with amendments, the Online Safety Act aims to regulate online content. However, its passage sparked objections from opposition politicians and activists who argue that the law threatens free speech. The legislation has drawn scrutiny not only from local activists and organizations but also from diplomats and international bodies, citing numerous problematic aspects.
In defense of the law, the Sri Lankan government asserts that it seeks to prohibit the online communication of certain statements, prevent the misuse of online accounts for prohibited purposes (both authentic and inauthentic), and curb the financing and support of false statements and related activities.
