As the global number of social media users is projected to surpass 5 billion by January 2024, with Sri Lanka alone accounting for 7.5 million users, the Media Law Forum has released a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at fostering responsible social media use. Forecasts indicate that Sri Lanka’s social media user base will rise significantly to 21.66 million by 2029.
Social media has become a powerful platform for championing, safeguarding, and advocating for people’s rights, particularly in expanding freedom of expression. It plays a crucial role in educating individuals about their rights, amplifying their voices, identifying violators of human and political rights, initiating human rights campaigns, and defending fundamental rights.
However, the expansion of freedom of expression via social media also brings negative repercussions. Some individuals misuse this freedom, leading to violations of others’ rights. To address these challenges, societies with advanced media cultures are implementing various measures, including the introduction of guidelines for social media usage.
In response, the Media Law Forum has developed a set of guidelines, considering the current legal framework, societal norms, and professional ethics. These guidelines aim to promote appropriate conduct within the social media industry, outlining both recommended practices and those to avoid.
The guidelines cover a wide range of recommended behaviors and actions for navigating the digital realm. They are designed to evolve over time, influenced by social context, and cater to both individuals and businesses engaging with social media. These recommendations acknowledge the diverse purposes and implications of online interactions.
For more details, refer to the full guidelines available on the Media Law Forum website.
Download the PDF document about the Guidelines for the Use of Social Media in all three languages from the link provided.
Sinhala Language – Guideline for the use of Social Media Sinhala
Tamil Language – Guideline for the use of Social Media Tamil
English Language – Guideline for the use of Social Media English
