United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, voiced strong concerns about the recently passed Online Safety Bill, citing three main areas of worry: the alleged flawed process, intent, and potential chilling effect on free speech.
Ambassador Chung highlighted the lack of extensive stakeholder input during the drafting process, stating that many see it as “deeply flawed.”
She expressed concerns about the broad definitions used in the bill, which are intended to combat online harms like pornography and attacks against women and children but could potentially be misused to restrict legitimate expression.
The implementation of the bill also raises concerns for Ambassador Chung. While an amendment process is underway, she questions whether it will truly address the chilling effect the bill could have on online discourse.
“It is not just about the voices of the US or the international community,” Ambassador Chung emphasized. “More importantly than our voices, are the voices of Sri Lankan citizens, tech experts, civil society, lawyers groups, private sector, many many people, groups, and associations, journalist groups have raised their concerns about this bill.”
She urged the Sri Lankan government to prioritize listening to its own citizens’ concerns, not just those of the international
Source: News First
