Colombo (LNW): Public Security Minister Tiran Alles has informed the media bodies that the Online Safety Bill will undergo thorough consultation with all the relevant stakeholders before being tabled in Parliament.
The controversial Bill was introduced in Parliament on Tuesday (03) and immediately met with backlash due to his alleged repressive manner.
By Friday, nine objections to the Bill were submitted to the Supreme Court, and more are likely to follow before the October 17 deadline.
On Friday (06), Alles convened a session with numerous media entities and specialists, and entered a consensus that the Bill posed crucial issues that might require revisions.
Media specialists articulated concerns that the Bill could curtail fundamental Freedom of Expression rights and highlighted the lack of comprehensive discussions with primary stakeholders, including technology firms.
Highlighting the Bill’s history, the Minister shared that its development spanned two justice ministers since 2016, and he was now overseeing its evolution. He underscored the increasing online harassment complaints, especially from women and children, which necessitates prompt governmental intervention.
Minister Alles plans to hold in-depth consultations with the Bar Association, civil rights groups, human rights bodies, and the diplomatic sector before advancing the Bill, according to reports.
