In late 2021, the idea of a similar Code of Practice for global tech companies vis-à-vis Sri Lanka was first raised by Factum, an independent think tank that analyses global politics as well as engages in tech diplomacy efforts. In early 2022, Factum initiated SAFEWebLK, a purely Sri Lankan initiative to prepare a Code of Practice for global tech companies and implement it as a pilot initiative.
The initial work utilizing Factum’s own resources has already been done in setting up a working group and advisory group with multi-stakeholder representation. The drafting of the Code for Sri Lanka will be based on consultations with multiple stakeholders in the government, civil society, IT/ICT sector, mass media, political parties and academia. Global and Asian tech companies have agreed to engage the process through their regional industry alliance, Asian Internet Coalition (AIC). A public call for inputs and proposals is to be issued in March 2022, and the Code’s pilot phase of implementation will follow its finalisation in mid-2022.