February 14, 2024
2 mins read

Lanka plans to amend controversial Online Safety Act

The existing law holds social media companies accountable for objectionable content shared on their platforms as determined by Sri Lankan authorities….reports Asian Lite News

Sri Lanka announced plans on Tuesday to revise its stringent internet censorship law following backlash from major global tech firms, who faced potential legal repercussions for content shared on social media platforms. Information minister Bandula Gunawardana revealed that the cabinet had decided to amend the hastily passed Online Safety Law, acknowledging concerns raised by experts in the field.

The existing law holds social media companies accountable for objectionable content shared on their platforms as determined by Sri Lankan authorities. In response to opposition from an international coalition of tech companies, who deemed the legislation impractical, the government pledged to incorporate expert input into the proposed amendments.

Critics, including opposition lawmakers, condemned the law as an attempt to silence political dissent ahead of upcoming presidential elections. Social media played a pivotal role in mobilizing protests during Sri Lanka’s severe economic crisis in 2022, leading to widespread demonstrations and the resignation of then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The law imposes severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison for social media executives failing to disclose user information linked to illicit content. It also criminalizes anonymous and parody social media accounts, extending jurisdiction to users posting from abroad. Public security minister Tiran Alles previously refuted claims that the law would suppress dissent.

UPI services in Sri Lanka

 India recently launched its Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services in Sri Lanka and Mauritius.

RuPay card services were also launched in Mauritius as part of this initiative.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the inaugural event virtually alongside his Mauritian counterpart Pravind Jugnauth, and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Indians visiting the two nations will be able to utilise UPI services to make payments, and Mauritians travelling to India will be able to do the same. Additionally, Mauritian banks will be able to issue RuPay cards and use them for transactions in both India and Mauritius.

The launch of the Indian services comes amid growing bilateral economic ties with Sri Lanka and Mauritius.

UPI services, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), enable immediate real-time bank transactions using mobile phones.

RuPay is an Indian-based card payment network that is widely accepted at retail locations, ATMs, and online platforms globally.

Prior to this, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) worked with Lyra, a well-known French expert in e-commerce and proximity payments, to introduce UPI services to France.

ALSO READ: Lanka Gears Up for 2025 Election Battle

Previous Story

Nawaz nominates brother Shehbaz as Pak PM

Next Story

Zardari to Run for President from PPP

Latest from -Top News

Lahore Tops World Pollution Chart

Along with Lahore, Pakistan’s Karachi also featured in the top 10 most polluted cities globally. …reports Asian Lite News Lahore, Pakistan, continues to hold the title of the world’s most polluted city.

Sudan army pulls out as RSF seizes El-Fasher

al-Burhan made the announcement late on Monday, a day after the RSF claimed to have captured the main Sudanese army base in el-Fasher….reports Asian Lite News Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah

India vigilant as Nepal faces political uncertainty

Indian agencies suspect that external elements are making attempts to create a political vacuum in the country. …reports Asian Lite News India is closely monitoring political developments in Nepal, emphasising that stability
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Will Lankan spinners trouble Pakistan in Asia Cup final?

Sri Lanka, in their 11th final in this tournament, are

Lankan President calls for fresh start on traditional new year

Traditional new year celebrations were held across the country this