Regulating Social Media in Sri Lanka: An Analysis of the Legal and Non-Legal Regulatory Frameworks in the Context of Hate Speech and Disinformation

Abstract

This study explores the existing legal and non-legal frameworks to regulate the spread of disinformation and hate speech on social media. The study presents potential implications of the spread of disinformation and hate speech on social media in the specific context of ethno-religious violence in Sri Lanka. While the study itself does not make recommendations for regulation, the study provides observations of eight key options that may be considered by stakeholders. Such stakeholders include the government, technology/ service providing companies and civil society, who may explore these options to potentially mitigate the spread of disinformation and hate speech on social media.