Media Bias Should Favor Public Interest, Not Government Spin - Lizz Allen

COLOMBO (News 1st); The United States has called on Sri Lanka to protect media freedom, expressing concerns about the potential impact of the Online Safety Bill passed in January on freedom of expression, innovation, and privacy.

Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Elizabeth M. Allen highlighted the importance of a free press in Colombo, emphasizing its role in holding governments accountable and strengthening nations.

"When a government constricts the rights and freedoms of its citizens, the future and the development of the country will naturally suffer," Under Secretary Allen declared. "Globally, we are witnessing serious and escalating challenges to media freedom."

She voiced specific concerns about the Online Safety Bill, stating that the United States had raised them "both privately and publicly."

"The media's bias should lean towards the public's interest, acting as a guarding force ensuring that leaders fulfill their duties. This principle holds in Sri Lanka, in the U.S., and globally."

She continued, underlining the responsibility of the press to "deliver facts as they stand, shedding light on government's achievements, as well as spotlighting where their programs or policies may fall short."

"Suppressing voices only complicates matters further. Attempting to conceal issues, rather than addressing them is akin to hiding a broken tool, rather than fixing it."

The US Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy, expressed the United States' concerns over the potential repression of Freedom of Expression and stifling of dissent that the Online Safety Bill in Sri Lanka could face.

Allen stated that the US shares the apprehensions of journalists, influencers, content creators, and people everywhere. She also mentioned that the US is encouraged by the amendments process and has taken the opportunity to provide feedback, both privately and publicly.

The Under Secretary also voiced the concerns of technology companies regarding their ability to operate freely in Sri Lanka. She emphasized that everyone sees the digital economy as a way to continue building Sri Lanka's economic future, attracting investments, and preserving freedom of expression.

However, Allen expressed concerns about the legislation as it currently stands. She stressed the importance of a consultative process as the amendments for the online safety bill move forward, and as the Anti-Terrorism Bill is considered before it is passed.

"We can only hope to have effective legislation if it is taking into account the equities from a variety of stakeholders," Allen said. She assured that the US will continue to advocate for this.

Allen also expressed empathy for journalists operating in the current environment, given the fear surrounding the Online Safety Bill.