In a move that has stirred debate and raised concerns about freedom of speech, the Sri Lankan government has transferred the much-disputed Online Safety Act under the purview of the Ministry of Public Security, as announced in an Extraordinary Gazette notification.
The gazette issued by the Presidential Secretariat states that the Online Safety Act will now fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Public Security, effective from February 7th. This legislation, aimed at regulating online content, was passed in Parliament on January 24th, albeit with amendments, despite objections from opposition politicians and activists who argue that it poses a threat to free speech.
The Online Safety Act has been a subject of contention, drawing attention not only from local activists and organizations but also from diplomats and large international organizations. Critics have highlighted numerous problematic aspects of the Bill, expressing concerns over its potential to stifle dissent and limit freedom of expression.
According to the Sri Lankan government, the Online Safety Bill, initially published in the government gazette on September 18th, seeks to address various issues related to online communication. Its objectives include banning the dissemination of certain statements online, preventing the use of online accounts—whether authentic or inauthentic—for prohibited purposes, and combating the financing and support of false statements through online channels.
As the Online Safety Act comes under the purview of the Ministry of Public Security, its implementation and enforcement will likely be closely scrutinized, with ongoing debates expected to center around its potential impact on fundamental rights and the broader digital landscape in Sri Lanka.
