February 28, Colombo (LNW): In a stark revelation, the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) reported a significant rise in social media-related incidents in the past year, with over 17,000 cases documented.
This surge highlights the growing concerns surrounding online safety and the urgent need for stronger regulatory frameworks.
SLCERT engineer Charuka Damunupola told Daily Mirror that a staggering 1,371 cases of online sexual harassment were reported, specifically relating to adult victims.
This figure raises alarms about the prevalence of such offences on digital platforms, calling for immediate action to combat this type of abuse.
Furthermore, the report brought to light a particularly disturbing trend: 60 cases of child sexual harassment were recorded, underlining the pressing need for enhanced protection for minors in the digital environment.
“Children are especially vulnerable online, and the data points to an increasing necessity for vigilance, education, and legal safeguards,” Damunupola emphasised.
The report also highlighted 16 cases of suicide or self-harm linked to social media interactions, a stark reminder of the severe psychological toll that online platforms can exert on individuals.
This raises critical questions about the effectiveness of current measures to ensure mental health support and secure online spaces for vulnerable individuals.
In addition, the SLCERT reported that 6,123 accounts were compromised last year, an alarming figure that draws attention to the vulnerability of personal data and the potential for cybercriminal activity.
The frequency of these hacks is a growing concern, particularly as more people conduct personal, financial, and professional transactions online.
Another troubling statistic revealed 673 incidents of harmful or dangerous behaviour, further reinforcing the need for a safe digital environment for all users, particularly in light of growing concerns about cyberbullying and online harassment.
Given these findings, experts are urging the government to implement stricter laws and regulations to safeguard Sri Lanka’s digital landscape. There is a call for more robust enforcement of existing laws, along with enhanced awareness campaigns to educate the public on online safety.
In particular, experts stress that it is crucial to equip children, parents, and educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the digital world safely.
