Human rights activists in Sri Lanka warned Monday against a draft law that would impose prison sentences for spreading false information on social media, fearing it is aimed at silencing government critics.
• Also read: Indonesia bans business transactions on social media platforms
Parliament is due to debate an “online safety bill” this week that would impose penalties of up to five years in prison for any message deemed “false” or offensive by regulators.
Under the proposed law, social media platforms would face a fine of up to 10 million rupees ($31,000) if they refuse to hand over the identities and data of anonymous users accused of such crimes.
“This is a very draconian legislation that will have a chilling effect on the entire population,” said Lasantha Ruhunuge, spokesperson for the Sri Lanka Working Journalists’ Association.
According to him, the government is trying to silence dissent and silence criticism of corruption, mismanagement and abuse of power by politicians and senior officials.
Mr. Ruhunuge’s organization is part of a coalition of 18 civil society groups opposing the bill, which would also require internet service providers to block accounts the government deems harmful to the internet. national interest.
The bill is on Tuesday’s agenda, but the exact date of debate has not been released.
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been accused of suppressing dissent since he came to power last year at the height of Sri Lanka’s unprecedented economic crisis.