False claims of the government refuting the Online Safety Act
An article with the headline “Government set to repeal the Online Safety Act” published in the websites of ‘Virakesari’ and ‘Vettri’ caught the attention of FactSeeker.
by Anonymous |
November 7, 2024
https://www.virakesari.lk/article/198016
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1023843923089679&set=a.808302004643873
The article on the Virakesari website read, “The government is firmly committed to repealing the Online Safety Act,” quoting Cabinet spokesman Minister Vijitha Herath.
FactSeeker observed that the Minister addressed the claim at the media briefing announcing the Cabinet Decisions on Tuesday (November 5).
Video: https://youtu.be/rSKVi0s4irE?t=2590
Responding to a question posed by media, the Minister responded “It is clearly stated in our election manifesto that we will amend the Online Safety Act. Once the next Parliament convenes, necessary actions will take place. In the coming times, we will discuss and take appropriate action. But for now, we are sticking to our policy,” he stated.
Furthermore, the “Free media industry – an objectively informed society” section of NPP’s election manifesto states “Amending the 2024 No. 09 Online Safety Act by removing the restrictions on freedom of expression”.
Accordingly, FactSeeker confirms that media reports claiming that the government is firmly committed to removing the Online Safety Act, as quoting Cabinet spokesman Vijitha Herath, are false.
