Parliament approves Online Safety Bill

24 January 2024 06:38 pm - 23 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Parliament, Jan. 24 (Daily Mirror)- Amidst criticism from tech industry giants such as Google, Yahoo, and Amazon, Parliament approved the contentious Online Safety Bill, a piece of legislation perceived by some as draconian and a potential threat to freedom of expression.

The bill was passed without a vote in the House after Third Reading of the bill, a two-day debate in which the opposition launched a scathing attack on it saying it borders on the infringement of freedom of expression.

During the Second Reading, the bill was taken to vote with 108 supporting it and 62 opposing. However, the Supreme Court cleared the bill subjected to amendments proposed by it.

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.

Later, the Minister said the amendments had been incorporated into the bill but the AIC refuted comments made by the Public Security Minister Tiran Alles in Parliament on Tuesday, during the debate of the controversial Online Safety Bill.

The bill was debated in the House for two days. The minister who wound up the debate remarked that fresh amendments would be incorporated into the bill at a later stage.

The Minister who referred to a statement issued by AIC had voiced their opposition for the Bill said the statement had been issued before the misunderstanding that had occurred with regard to the Bill was resolved. “We have spoken to everyone whom we need to speak to,” the Minister said.

Minister Alles said the amendments which have been proposed by the Supreme Court will be accommodated now while the other amendments would be introduced in the near future. “The amendments proposed by some of the stakeholders affect the very nature of the Bill and therefore they cannot be accommodated now. These will be accommodated on another day,” he said.

The Supreme Courts had recommended an amendment to clause 5 of the Bill under which it said the President should only recommend members to the proposed online safety commission while they should be approved by the constitutional council. The removal of any member could be done with the approval of the constitutional council as well according to the amendment proposed by the Supreme Court.

The courts also recommended the approval of section 26 (6) of the constitution where the power of suspending any internet service provider from functioning when it is found publishing prohibited material three times as per section 32 ( 3) is transferred to the magistrate courts . Originally the power of suspension was vested with the online safety commission.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 23

VJ Wednesday, 24 January 2024 07:02 PM

Since this bill will become law soon, I am afraid to make a comment. To hell with everything.

Jagath Ekanaya Wednesday, 24 January 2024 07:13 PM

This is Ranils suppression of people voice bill. This terrified president is trying his Battalanda tactics. I hope we see this scoundrel in prison one day.

Nimal Perera Wednesday, 24 January 2024 07:14 PM

People have already decided to get rid of this pin hora. So this will only further enraged the masses.

Ravi Hulugalle Wednesday, 24 January 2024 07:16 PM

We want to see all the names of the ministers who voted yes.

Muthupara Wednesday, 24 January 2024 09:49 PM

An ignorant fool of first order. Those who voted and those who not voted are displayed publicly as YES and NO against their names in Digital data platform in Parliament. These are the foolish cronies trying show-off

Mohamed Adham Thursday, 25 January 2024 09:25 AM

Muthupura - why should people go to " Digital platforms " ??? lets make it simple and just publish these names in the normal media platforms. "Ignorant fools " are only recognized by OTHER ignorant fools.....................

Joshua Wednesday, 24 January 2024 07:45 PM

Those who raised their stinking hand should be thrown out of politics by the people

johan Wednesday, 24 January 2024 08:03 PM

How can the Govt. unilaterally pass the bill without the support of Stakeholders and the Public.Those raised hands to support the bill are not the representatives of the people because the elected President and PM are no more in the seat.Politicians came from Bonus Seat has put forward these proposals and got this passed.We have to check the validity of the bills passed in parliament.

Joshua Wednesday, 24 January 2024 09:05 PM

Bunch of uneducated morons have raised their morons

Duminda Wednesday, 24 January 2024 09:09 PM

Dirty coward politicians thinking to stay power 4 ever. Every dog has it day. Count down.....

David Wednesday, 24 January 2024 09:46 PM

How many commrntators here have read and understood the bill before commenting or are they just picking up on the sound bites of the political opposition and their following who are known to oppose anything and everything?

david the gee Thursday, 25 January 2024 12:47 PM

dsavid The eater of dogs droppings

Upulpb Wednesday, 24 January 2024 10:06 PM

All these companies should terminate e mail and other accounts of all those who voted in favour and also of their family members.

Mokan Wednesday, 24 January 2024 10:23 PM

Will the opposition repeal this bill

Citizens Wednesday, 24 January 2024 11:35 PM

Well done ✅ most people don't understand or rather, don't want to understand and oppose anything and everything!

Let law Thursday, 25 January 2024 12:34 AM

These bunch not representing the public, they are only representing them self to protect the future of 225.

Ram Thursday, 25 January 2024 04:09 AM

When we talk about wifi or online issues we talk about viruses. I say this Bill itself is a Virus. Unless removed without delay the repercussions will cripple the country again

Dinruta Thursday, 25 January 2024 04:32 AM

I think this is a good start. Although may be too restrictive but Srilanka needs monitoring online news or fake news. Srilankans have too much freedom without having anything productive to offer.

Kamal Bolawansa Thursday, 25 January 2024 09:49 AM

Doing good for the people and winning with majority in any elections is great than (RW

Kupiyawatte Mina Thursday, 25 January 2024 09:58 AM

Ranil today you can be the winner with Pottuwa Rajapakshes rotten thieves, but never think any other elections hereafter you could gain even 5000 votes. You dirty politicians think that others are slaves and whatever law you all bring we will have to bend down. Never again.... wait and see.

sam Thursday, 25 January 2024 04:08 PM

How many of them understand what this is?

ROSH Thursday, 25 January 2024 06:09 PM

Unelected master debating president now do spend the night in the dark on mile high club disguised in democracy.

Buddhist Friday, 26 January 2024 12:35 AM

Now the responsibility moves on to the Sinhala and Tamil diaspora to expose the crooks as those residing in SL cannot do that anymore.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Parliament approves Online Safety Bill

Comments - 23

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

AstraZeneca admits for first time its COVID vaccine can cause rare side effect

VFS Global is here to stay for at least 12 years, says Tiran

Attempt to send 17 year-old-boy to London on forged documents foiled

Controversy over foreigners issuing on-arrival visas at BIA

Sri Lanka face unusual dilemma

On-arrival visa fiasco drains VFS Global’s confidence in Sri Lanka

MIRROR CRICKET

Sri Lanka great tips Sanju Samson to thrive at T20 World Cup

India’s Amul to sponsor Sri Lanka team for T20 World Cup

Shakib threatens to beat up fan over clicking selfie

BCCI breaks silence after Trinidad PM reveals terror threat to T20 World Cup, report says it’s from ISIS

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Government planning four-stage vehicle import resumption

Reduced New Year drinking leads to less quarrels

Diana loses Parliamentary seat as SC declares her disqualification

SJB legitimacy at stake after SC ruling on Diana: Kanchana

Luis Rubiales to stand trial over World Cup kiss

Sri Lanka great tips Sanju Samson to thrive at T20 World Cup

India’s Amul to sponsor Sri Lanka team for T20 World Cup

Shakib threatens to beat up fan over clicking selfie