Different models of platform regulation are evolving across the globe. The United States, the European Union, and China have emerged as major examples of regulatory approaches. However, the evolution and impact of social media regulation in many Global South countries remain understudied.

In the South Asian region, Sri Lanka, India, and Bangladesh have been witnessing major regulatory and policy debates on social media regulation for the past few years. In order to understand the regulatory trends in this region, the Centre for Communication Governance (CCG), in collaboration with LIRNEasia and the School of Law at BRAC University, is releasing a report on ‘Social Media Regulation and the Rule of Law: Key Trends in Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh’(November 2023).  This report has been supported by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS).

The report maps the social media regulatory frameworks in Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh and examines key trends in these jurisdictions. Using case studies, it evaluates the implementation of these frameworks against key principles of the rule of law. 

We examine regulation that governs or influences the way in which social media platforms are operated as well as, used and accessed. This includes the intermediary liability frameworks governing social media platforms, the relevant Information and Communication Technology (ICT) regulations impacting the operation and accessibility of these platforms, and key speech laws directed at end users. Through such regulation directed at social media platforms and other intermediaries as well as end users, States, directly and indirectly, regulate the flow of online information. This regulation of the online information ecosystem has far-reaching implications for free speech and democracy. Thus, it is essential that such regulation adheres to democratic principles of the rule of law, including participatory decision-making, separation of power, adequate checks and balances, procedural and legal transparency, and fairness in application.

 You can also access the report here.