The Global Network Initiative (GNI), a multistakeholder organization with a focus on privacy and freedom of expression in the technology sector, welcomes the Sri Lankan government’s decision to amend the Online Safety Act (OSA) 2023. GNI has been closely tracking the OSA since its introduction and reiterates the concerns raised in our previous statement regarding its implications for privacy and freedom of expression.
Despite a previous round of amendments in August 2024, the Act retains some of its most problematic provisions which are fundamentally in violation of the human rights principles Sri Lanka has committed to under national and international law. We therefore urge the new Parliament to adopt a rigorous, transparent and rights-based approach to their revision of the OSA, with expert and multistakeholder input. Ideally, we recommend that the best option for Sri Lanka, one which would support the new government’s wider reforms, is to opt for a fresh law that is fit-for-purpose and founded on best practices for human rights from other online safety regulations around the world.
Read the full statement in English
GNI has been involved in the shaping of numerous online safety regulations around the world, and has a breadth of resources that would be useful for the Government of Sri Lanka as it prepares to inquire into the Online Safety Act. Our multistakeholder expertise offers a unique and important perspective on due process and transparency in drafting such critical legislation. GNI therefore remains open to engaging in the review of the OSA and looks forward to supporting the new government and Parliament on drafting a new law founded upon human rights principles and regulatory best practices.
About GNI
GNI is the leading multistakeholder forum for accountability, shared learning, and collective advocacy on government and company policies and practices at the intersection of technology and human rights. Over the last several years, GNI has reviewed, commented on, and helped shape a range of “online safety” bills and intermediary liability laws across several jurisdictions. Our human rights analysis and recommendations for policymakers can be found in the Content Regulation & Human Rights Policy Brief, which uses international human rights principles to analyze a wide range of legislative efforts and provides proactive guidance on how to address online safety and digital regulations in a rights-protective manner.