Srilanka- Stifling freedom of speech
SriLanka Parliament on Wednesday approved with amendments the controversial Online Safety Bill that seeks to regulate online content amid criticism from the opposition that claimed it will stifle freedom of speech.As many as 108 parliamentarians voted for it while 62 voted against the bill that was passed after a two-day debate.
Parliament has passed a hastily proposed bill to regulate online content, sparking criticism from rights groups and opposition politicians that the government is trying to crack down on dissent and stifle freedom of speech ahead of parliamentary and presidential elections this year. Under the online safety bill, content creators deemed to be posting “illegal material by a five member commission will be punished with jail sentences.
Human rights watch criticised the bill warning that members of the online safety commission would have arbitrary rights to decide what online speech is ‘false’ or ‘harmful’ ,remove content ,restrict & prohibited internet access , and prosecute individuals & organisations.The passing of the Online Safety Act is a major blow to human rights in Sri Lanka.
