A workshop of the Trainer Pool on Online Safety — a program under the partner organizations of Social Media Declaration (SMD) — was held on 21st and 22nd February at the Global Towers Hotel, Colombo.
A workshop of the Trainer Pool on Online Safety — a program under the partner organizations of Social Media Declaration (SMD) — was held on 21st and 22nd February at the Global Towers Hotel, Colombo.
During the workshop, discussions were held on work already carried out and ongoing programs related to SMD as well as work that must be prioritized in light of current conditions, and future plans. In particular, a capacity audit of the Online Safety Trainer Pool — covering new knowledge and relevant competencies — along with capacity building, an evaluation of activities conducted, and future planning were all discussed.
Another significant matter discussed was the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill (PSTA) proposed by the current government. Since submissions have already been sent to the Ministry of Justice, follow-up actions on this were discussed at length, along with the need to remain vigilant about potential developments, and the need for strategic advocacy activities to pressure the government into withdrawing the Bill — including planning for such activities.
Furthermore, discussions were held on advancing human rights-based social media activism — the foundation of SMD — as well as on promoting human rights-based internet and digital rights as a topic of discussion within Sri Lanka, recognizing this as a pioneering effort in the country, and on strengthening regional collaboration.
