IT/BPM industry urges Govt. to review Online Security Bill

• SLASSCOM, FITIS, CSSL, and BCS Sri Lanka collectively express concern and lists recommendations in response to the Bill

Stakeholders of the Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT and BPM) industry, including Sri Lanka Association of Software and Service Companies (SLASSCOM), Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS), Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL) and British Computer Society (BCS Sri Lanka) jointly expressed their concerns and recommendations in response to the proposed Online Security Bill. 

They call on the Government to engage in collaborative efforts to develop legislation that effectively balances national security imperatives with the growth and sustainability of the IT and BPM industry.

As Sri Lanka ventures into the digital economy, the top industry bodies collectively highlighted the key concerns.

The stakeholders emphasise the impracticality of provisions holding online platforms and social media networks liable, cautioning against potential economic setbacks that could impact vital sectors such as tourism, e-commerce, and the IT-BPM industry. 

They stress the need for a careful examination of the proposed Bill, anticipating a significant financial burden on the industry that requires scrutiny to ensure long-term sustainability.

In addition, concerns are raised about the potential violation of international human rights, specifically the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). 

Stakeholders warn that such violations could adversely affect Sri Lanka’s reputation in the global IT and BPM industry, highlighting the importance of aligning with accepted international regulations.

Another concern underscored by the stakeholders revolves around potential restrictions on authorities’ ability to engage in international cooperation for data and electronic evidence gathering, posing potential challenges to collaborative efforts.

In terms of recommendations, industry experts advocate for inclusive stakeholder consultations to ensure a comprehensive understanding of industry needs. 

They call for modifications or removal of provisions conflicting with ICCPR and other international regulations to strike a balance between security and fundamental rights. 

Furthermore, stakeholders stress the importance of advocating for narrower definitions in the Bill to prevent unintended consequences and ensure compatibility with human rights principles.