Cabinet approves to draft 'Fake News Law'

Colombo (News 1st);  The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal to advise the Legal Draftsman to draft a bill on the legislation against spreading false and misleading statements online. According to a statement issued by the Department of Government Information, the spread of false information on the internet poses a serious threat and is seen as being used to divide society, to spread hatred, and to weaken democratic institutions. The proposal by the Justice Minister noted that steps should be taken to provide access to accurate information to citizens and civil society by introducing a new law to protect society from the harm caused by false propaganda online.