Govt. registration not mandatory for social media usage: SLITA

22 December 2020 12:00 am

• Several media outlets which have reported that the government registration is essential for social media site users
• If the users are to register with the government, we see it as a major blow to freedom of speech

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya 

Users are not required to register themselves with the Government to access social media websites and maintain an account on those websites, the Sri Lanka Information Technology Association (SLITA) said. 

SLITA Chairman Rajiv Yasiru Kuruwitage said the association has drawn the attention of several media outlets which have reported that the government registration is essential for social media site users, including Facebook. 
“If the users are to register with the government, we see it as a major blow to freedom of speech,” he said. 
He further pointed out that government ministers should be careful when issuing such statements to the media.