The Global Network Initiative is closely monitoring reports that access to social media and messaging platforms in Sri Lanka has been widely disrupted. These disruptions follow religious rioting and related violence and the imposition of a state of emergency. GNI recognizes the government of Sri Lanka’s duty to protect public safety, but the disruption of communications services prevents access to vital emergency and health services and interferes with citizens’ ability to communicate.
GNI will continue to monitor the situation on the ground. For more on this issue, see the GNI Statement on Network and Service Shutdowns, and read about the potential costs of network and service disruptions to economies, societies, and human rights in the GNI one-page guide.