Tech Cooperation

Factum Perspective: The curious case of the “Online Safety Act”

Science and Technology, Tech Cooperation2 days ago101Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Darshatha Gamage The Online Safety Act No 9 of 2024 stands as one of the most debated and contentious pieces of legislation in Sri Lanka’s recent history. Gazetted on September 15, 2023, under the directive of the Ministry of Public Security, the Act was introduced with the stated objective of preventing the misuse of…

Factum Perspective: Starlink in the Global South

Peace and Conflict, Science and Technology, Tech Cooperation, UncategorizedMarch 23, 2025386Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Brayan Jayawardhana Two weeks ago, on March 10, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sirkorski took to X to respond to Elon Musk’s claim that Ukraine’s “entire front line” would collapse if he turned Starlink off. Sirkorski, who seemed agitated if not angry, tweeted that Poland was paying for Starlink’s use in Ukraine, and that if…

Factum Perspective: Redefining Truth in the Digital Age – Challenges, Consequences, and the Path Forward

Peace and Conflict, Tech CooperationJanuary 19, 2025389Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Darshatha Gamage Philosopher Bertrand Russell, in his seminal work On the Nature of Truth, posed two enduring questions: "In any inquiry into the nature of truth, two questions meet us on the threshold: In what sense, if any, is truth dependent upon mind? Are there many different truths, or is there only the Truth?"…

Factum Perspective: Digital Dynamics – Media and Geopolitics in the Modern Middle East

Peace and Conflict, Regional Geopolitics, Tech CooperationNovember 3, 2024654Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Deshani Samaragunarathna In the contemporary landscape of the Middle East, information technology has become a potent tool for power. The region's social and political landscapes are diversifying, reflecting significant changes in how information is disseminated, consumed, and wielded. Over the past few decades, particularly since the Arab Spring, the media landscape has transformed dramatically.…

Factum Special Perspective: Redefining Copyright Laws – Addressing AI-Generated Works and Authorship Rights in Sri Lanka

Science and Technology, Tech CooperationSeptember 11, 20242KViews 0Likes 0Comments

By Kaushalya Wickramanayake Brief Context of Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved from sci-fi fantasy to modern technology in a blink of an eye. In today’s world, Apple Siri is ready to engage in conversation whenever someone is feeling bored, Google Assistant provides recommendations for the best stores to purchase favorite dresses based on…

Factum Perspective: Sri Lanka in the Digital Silk Road

Health and Economic Cooperation, International Development, Tech CooperationMay 5, 2024743Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Kasun Thilina Kariyawasam Many people have benefited from the ancient Chinese silk road, which connected large parts of the world. When we think of the Silk Road, we immediately think of silk, porcelain, and various precious stones. However, the Silk Road was also a route for countries to share knowledge and technology. Cotton weaving…

Factum Perspective: Internet Censorship in Pakistan and Sri Lanka

Tech CooperationMarch 3, 2024485Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Britney Martil South Asia continues to grapple with the complex challenge of internet censorship. As governments deploy measures to control online content and restrict connectivity, concerns surrounding digital freedom have grown. This comparative analysis sheds light on the nuanced landscape of internet censorship in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, examining key incidents, government actions, and…

Factum Special Perspective: Online Safety Act – Its Ambit and its Impact

Tech CooperationFebruary 26, 2024996Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Jagath Liyanarachchi Background Keheliya Rambukwella, Minister of Mass Media and Ali Sabry, President’s Counsel, Minister of Justice, presented a cabinet paper on April 1, 2022, seeking permission from the Cabinet of Ministers to present a draft of a bill to “protect society from the harm caused by false propaganda on the internet.” This had…

Factum Perspective: In Pakistan, AI Charts a New Course for South Asian Politics

Regional Geopolitics, Science and Technology, Tech CooperationFebruary 18, 2024576Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Uditha Devapriya with Nevindi Jayawardana and Dilshan Bataduwaarachchi By the time Pakistanis headed for elections on February 8, Imran Khan had been served a 14-year jail sentence, on top of other charges and allegations. Barely a week earlier, Khan, the country’s most popular Opposition figure, had been disqualified from holding office for 10…

Factum Special Perspective: Online Safety Bill, Supreme Court Ruling, and Alternatives

Peace and Conflict, Tech CooperationNovember 15, 2023788Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Jagath Liyanaarachchi Online Safety Bill As per the directive of the Minister of Public Security, Tiran Alles, the Online Safety Bill was published in the Gazette on September 18, 2023. On October 10, 2023, the bill was tabled in the Parliament for the first reading. The Bill envisages the establishment of a Commission for…

Factum Special Perspective: Online Safety or Muzzling Online Free Speech?

Science and Technology, Tech CooperationOctober 19, 2023505Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Muhammad Aftab Alam A review of Proposed Legislation in Pakistan and Sri Lanka In September 2023, the Sri Lankan government introduced an Online Safety Bill to establish an “Online Safety Commission”, the purported objective being “to prevent the use of online accounts and inauthentic online accounts for prohibited purposes and to suppress the financing…

Factum Special Perspective: The Draft Online Safety Bill

Peace and Conflict, Science and Technology, Tech CooperationSeptember 27, 20231KViews 1Like 0Comments

By Jagath Liyanarachchi On September 18, 2023, the Draft Online Safety Bill was published in the Sri Lankan Government Gazette on the orders of the Minister of Justice. The following is a brief introduction to the Bill. Objectives of the Bill As stated in Section 3, the purpose of the Bill is 1/ To protect…