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New laws against child porn

21 Apr 2021

  • Criminalising cybercrimes against children mooted

  • Harsh penalties proposed

  The Ministry of Justice is currently considering introducing new amendments to the Obscene Publications Ordinance to address child pornography, particularly in the online sphere, The Morning learnt. Justice Ministry sources informed The Morning that the amendments have been drafted and that the constitutionality of the drafted laws is currently under review. According to sources, the Bill would focus on child pornography in the cyber space as the current Obscene Publications Ordinance was originally drafted in 1927 and last amended in 2005, making it outdated for the current requirements of the dynamic online sphere. Additionally, it is learnt that the exposure of children to cybercrimes is also being considered to be penalised and that harsher punishments have been drafted. However, it is not clear yet as to whether both the distribution and possession of child pornography would be criminalised. The new amendments have been drafted with the support of the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) and the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT). Currently, the Ordinance allows for a fine of up to Rs. 2,500 for the first offence or imprisonment for a term of six months. The trade, distribution, or public exhibition or making, producing, or possessing obscene writings, drawings, prints, paintings, printed matter, pictures, posters, emblems, photographs, cinematograph films, video cassettes, or any other obscene objects is an offence under the Ordinance.


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