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Last Updated : 2024-05-09 18:56:00
16 January 2024 06:21 am - 24 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Asia Internet Coalition (“AIC”), a body comprising internet and technology companies in the world, and its members, expressed concern about the Online Safety Bill and called for extensive revisions and overhaul of it.
Managing Director AIC Jeff Paine said in writing to Public Security Minister Tiran Alles that while his office appreciates the efforts made thus far with the industry, a more comprehensive and meaningful consultation is necessary to address the complexities and nuances associated with the Bill.
It is a body comprising companies such as Amazon, Apple, Booking.com, Expedia Group, Google, GoTo, Grab, LINE, LinkedIn, Meta, Rakuten, X and Yahoo.
“We acknowledge that the legislative process is intricate, and deliberations are ongoing. However, it is crucial to ensure that the Bill is not only effective but also balanced, proportionate, and practicable in its scope and approach. The proposed legislation, in its present form, poses significant challenges that, if not addressed comprehensively, could undermine the potential growth of Sri Lanka's digital economy.
AIC’s submissions, attached herewith, highlight various areas of concern from specific clauses ranging from regulatory independence and extraterritorial application to the overbroad definition of intermediaries, ambiguous terminology defining prohibited statements, divergence from international human rights and best practice standards, and more,” it wrote.
Asserting that without extensive revisions, the proposed legislation will be unworkable.
“The economic implications of the proposed Online Safety Bill cannot be overstated. Sri Lanka's digital ecosystem stands at the precipice of substantial growth, and it is essential to foster an environment that encourages innovation and investment. The concerns raised in our submission with regard to criminal liabilities, safe harbour provisions, turnaround times, user data access, and other critical aspects of the bill underscore the urgency of reconsidering the current draft.
We understand the complexity of drafting such legislation and acknowledge the importance of addressing online safety concerns. Therefore, this continued collaborative approach is essential to ensure that the Online Safety Bill strikes a balance between safeguarding users and fostering a conducive environment for digital innovation. We remain committed to working with the Government of Sri Lanka to create a more workable and effective Online Safety Bill that aligns
with global best practices. In addition, the AIC has actively engaged with local stakeholders in Sri Lanka in the past to develop a comprehensive Sri Lanka Code of Practice for Online Safety and Responsible Content (“Code”). Drawing upon the expertise and insights gained through this collaborative effort, it is recommended that relevant elements from the code be considered and potentially integrated into the current bill. This collaborative and inclusive approach will further enhance the effectiveness of the Bill, ensuring a well-rounded and globally informed framework for addressing online safety concerns in Sri Lanka.
We kindly request the Government of Sri Lanka's thorough consideration of the issues highlighted in our latest submission. We look forward to engaging in further consultations and meaningful dialogues on the Online Safety Bill.”
Jehan Tuesday, 16 January 2024 06:43 AM
It is not that Google, Yahoo, Amazon, X raised red flag, but rather the Asia Internet Coalition (“AIC”) after most likely active lobbying from interest parties and activists.
Onlooker Tuesday, 16 January 2024 12:55 PM
But AIC comprises Apple, Facebook, Google, Expedia Group, Amazon, Line, LinkedIn, Rakuten, SAP, Airbnb, Grab, Twitter, Yahoo, Booking.com, and Cloudfare. They are interest(ed) parties obviously.
Abd Tuesday, 16 January 2024 07:07 AM
The intention of the government is to keep the public uninformed, mainly public unfriendly actions such as increasing prices of essential items, but how long,just after couple of months president is out of power, then ruler certainly use this draconian regulation to suppress current rulers party
GIA LANKA Tuesday, 16 January 2024 07:16 AM
I MUST ADVICE THIS STUPID BUGGER FROM ASIA INTERNET,COMPLAIN TO HUTHIGAY PUTHA TIRAN ALLES, THIS BASTARD
Don Tuesday, 16 January 2024 07:44 AM
Our politicians think world is inside Sri Lanka. They politicise the technical and social well-being requirements. In front of rest of the world SL is considered as a tribal, backward, rogue country by developing this kind of legislation. Young innovative people must leave this country for at least for the sake of their children to be born.
an SL citizen Tuesday, 16 January 2024 07:56 AM
These companies will happily comply with any restrictive EU regulation because the EU remain one of their biggest markets, but they will complain all they like about smaller countries like SL because they don't want to have the bother to comply with regulations and laws of smaller markets. Hypocrites!
Poochie Baba Tuesday, 16 January 2024 11:12 AM
Ok...stay a third world country. Typical thinking from a lot of Sri Lankans.
Amara Tuesday, 16 January 2024 11:46 AM
You looks like to be born, live and die in Sri Lanka. God bless you!
Bandu Tuesday, 16 January 2024 01:01 PM
If there is any restrictive EU regulation, then it is for the protection of the EU society and people. While here it is for the protection of the horrid politicians - there lies the big difference. Hope other SL citizens will not be mislead by your childlike comment to buttress the politicos.
More Police Presence in Neighbourhoods Tuesday, 16 January 2024 08:05 AM
Besides on line safety, neighbourhood safety needs more attention too. All Police Divisions should send out more patrolling especially wee hours of the night. Get the manpower
More Policing in Neighbourhood Needed Tuesday, 16 January 2024 11:41 AM
Downsize politicians security details
Sleazy president and his greasy friends Tuesday, 16 January 2024 08:23 AM
Online safety bill is just another ploy by the dinosaur president and his brain dead advisors to suppress opposition. Sri Lanka will be black- listed by the international community and on fast track in becoming a parriah nation.
If they leave, Micro$oft will get their business Tuesday, 16 January 2024 08:32 AM
There are ethical company and then Micro$oft which will jump into any void when the other company close up and leave. Google left China after the crackdown, and the market here they can give up easy too.
Terrence K Tuesday, 16 January 2024 09:05 AM
Today the country is facing pressing problems in every sphere of life due to the existing laws not equitably applied for the safety from the Roguish Legislators who are now trying to cover their footprints from their criminal deeds by trying to pass an Online Safety Bill where they know that the public have been exposing these culprits and by silencing the voices of the public it will be hay day for the ruling government. Asia Internet Coalition has addressed these issues of passing the Online Safety Bill because they can read behind the lines the subtle intent of such a safety bill. !!!!!!!!!!!!
Gabriella Tuesday, 16 January 2024 10:44 AM
We are living in self inflicted misery. Every aspect of this misery is perpetrated by our elected lawmakers with the sole motivation of preventing public scrutiny of their criminality. If you give your house keys to a burglar, who is to blame ? Don’t assume that there will be a peaceful transition of government after the next election either. A Sri Lankan style, Donald Trump, “showdown” is on the cards. These scum in parliament have too much to loose. And don’t assume that the sycophants appointed by these criminals to head the Tri-forces will act to protect the democratic rights of the people. And Aura thinks, “he” did the country a favour by rescuing it from the whiteman.
Rahal Tuesday, 16 January 2024 10:50 AM
It's not about online safety this bill is purely to suppress the people. It should be removed or withdrawn immediately
Karu Tuesday, 16 January 2024 11:01 AM
giving 'more rights to police and army' by Anti-Terrorism Act and controlling freedom of speech by Online Safety bill are both against fundamental human rights. Both will affect more innocent people.
Jude Tuesday, 16 January 2024 11:56 AM
No concerns or issues from Facebook!?? Ironic Huh!!
Harsh Tuesday, 16 January 2024 12:58 PM
Meta is also a part of AIC
Bandu Tuesday, 16 January 2024 05:26 PM
Jude, Meta owns and operates Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp. So what is your concern.
Foot note Tuesday, 16 January 2024 02:38 PM
Consider Online Safety only of its technical aspect without restricting freedom of expression.
Ram Tuesday, 16 January 2024 02:47 PM
Our Parliamentarians have proved before the world that many of them and some Ministers are only Ata Pass idiots with No practical knowledge on the current issues
Patcitz Tuesday, 16 January 2024 05:35 PM
We ourselves must consider what is meaningful and what is not at all, you guys should not command or intervene in the sovereignty of Sri Lanka and its people. An online safety bill will protect Sri Lankans from being SPIED by the US
DOT Wednesday, 17 January 2024 11:49 AM
We ordinary citizens are not bother at all on such things Google ! We have enough matters at our home and home level.
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