The Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) has voiced deep concern over the proposed draft of the Cyber Security (Amendment) Act, stating that several provisions remain problematic for the protection of freedom of expression, media freedom, personal privacy, and civil rights.
In a press release issued on Thursday (November 12), the organization said that sections including 8(2), 25(a, b), 26(a), 29, 46, and 46(a) of the draft, along with provisions related to investigation, search, seizure, and arrest, require proper review and amendment.
Proposal to Reduce Penalties
The draft amendment was published on the website of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division on Wednesday (November 11). The draft proposes reducing punishments for defamation, rumor-mongering, and dissemination of false information.
Some definitions have also been revised. However, the provisions classifying these offenses as criminal offenses remain unchanged.
Experts have expressed concern that merely reducing penalties will not eliminate the risk of restricting freedom of expression or the potential for misuse of the law. Public feedback on the draft has been requested by the 25th of this month.
State Responsibility and Civil Rights
The HRSS statement said it is the state's responsibility to ensure that citizens' constitutional rights and the democratic space are not curtailed in the name of ensuring cyber security. The organization has called for reconsidering the proposed amendment and enacting a cyber security law that is consistent with international human rights standards, citizen-friendly, transparent, and accountable.
According to the organization, several sections of the draft fail to ensure personal privacy and legal protection for citizens in the exercise of investigation, search, seizure, and arrest powers. They believe that without proper review of these provisions, the law could have a negative impact on freedom of expression.
