UN Human Rights Office raises concerns over SL’s Online Safety Act impact on freedom of expression

February 03, Colombo (LNW): The UN Human Rights Office expressed deep concerns about Sri Lanka’s recently enacted Online Safety Act, emphasising its potential adverse effects on human rights, particularly freedom of expression.

The Office taking to X (previously knowns as Twitter) called upon the Sri Lankan government to reconsider the legislation and consider amendments that address the apprehensions raised by civil society and industry groups.

The UN Human Rights Office stressed the importance of ensuring that the Online Safety Act aligns with the country’s human rights obligations, particularly those related to freedom of expression.

#SriLanka: The new Online Safety Act will have far reaching negative implications for human rights, incl. freedom of expression.

We urge the Govt. to consider amending the law to address concerns of civil society & industry groups & ensure it complies w/ human rights obligations

— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) February 1, 2024

This call for reconsideration underscores the international community’s vigilance in safeguarding fundamental human rights and the need for Sri Lanka to strike a balance between regulating online safety and upholding democratic values.

The UN Human Rights Office encourages a collaborative approach, involving stakeholders from civil society and industry, to refine the legislation and bring it in line with internationally recognised human rights standards.