Sri Lanka’s Online Safety Bill Sparks Concerns Over Free Speech
Sri Lanka's government recently approved the Online Safety Bill, giving them extensive control over social media content. Supporters say it helps fight cybercrime and safeguards online users, but human rights groups and free speech advocates are concerned. They fear the law might suppress disagreement and blow freedom of speech.
Sri Lanka has just passed a new law to control what people post online. The government says it's meant to fight cybercrime like child abuse and online fraud. However, many are worried that the law will limit free speech. However, the Online Safety Bill allows a commission to decide what content is illegal and can lead to jail time.
The bill empowers a five-member commission, appointed by the president, to issue takedown orders for online content deemed "ill...