Wrote this shortly before the government called for amendment submissions on the Online Safety Act. Part personal reflection, part attempting to make sense/pre-empt what may come out of current 'digital transformation' initiatives, given past practices of the state and corporations. On the OSA, while the public call for submissions is commendable, it does not guarantee: ⭕ These amendments will be adopted or that further consultations will happen ⭕ Transparency in how, if any, amendments are adopted ⭕ Protection of fundamental freedoms, due to the prevailing enforcement mechanisms The OSA should, ideally, be repealed. Regulatory frameworks without enforcement mechanisms free from political interference are futile at best and dangerous at worst.
While government regulations often claim to be about protecting people from online harms, advocates and activists are well aware of how such legislation and rules can be used to oppress and expand authoritarian control. On the other end, the major technology companies of the Global North have consistently prioritised their bottom lines over genuine desires to ensure online safety for their users. saritha irugalbandara reflects on how civil society, caught between governments and tech companies, needs to proceed with determination and thoughtfulness. https://lnkd.in/gaT8Zu_Y