The United States expresses concern about the potential consequences of Sri Lanka's recently passed Online Safety Bill.
The legislation was approved without incorporating crucial inputs from key stakeholders, such as civil society and technology companies. Critics argue that the law poses a threat to freedom of expression, innovation, and privacy.
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, emphasized that apart from posing a risk to democratic values, vague and overly restrictive legislation can impede investments and hinder the development of a digital economy.
"The United States remains concerned about the potential impact of Sri Lanka’s Online Safety Bill, which passed yesterday without incorporating important input from key stakeholders, including civil society and tech companies who say that this legislation threatens freedom of expression, innovation, and privacy. In addition to jeopardizing democratic values, vague and overly restrictive legislation can hinder investment and the development of a digital economy, undermining the economic growth that Sri Lanka needs. The U.S. urges Sri Lanka to prioritize transparency and ensure any legislation does not stifle the voices of its people," she posted on X.
