As of January 2024, the global number of social media users is projected to surpass 5 billion, with Sri Lanka alone accounting for 7.5 million users. Forecasts indicate a substantial rise in Sri Lanka’s social media user base to 21.66 million by 2029.
Social media has emerged as a powerful tool for championing, safeguarding, and advocating for people’s rights, particularly in expanding the realm of expression. It plays a pivotal role in educating individuals about their rights, serving as a platform for their voices, uncovering violators of human and political rights, initiating campaigns to advance human rights, and acting as a defender of these fundamental rights.
While the expansion of freedom of expression via social media is a positive development, it also brings about negative repercussions on society. Some individuals misuse this right, leading to violations of others’ rights. To address or mitigate these issues, societies with sophisticated media cultures are implementing various measures. One such initiative is the introduction of guidelines, such as a Code of Practice, for social media usage.
The Media Law Forum, after considering factors such as the current legal framework, societal norms, and professional ethics, presents this set of guidelines for the use of social media. These guidelines serve as a reference for appropriate conduct within the social media industry, outlining both recommended practices and practices to avoid.
Furthermore, these guidelines encompass a spectrum of recommended behaviors and actions for navigating the digital realm. It’s important to note that these recommendations may evolve over time and are influenced by social context. They cater to both individuals and businesses engaging with social media, acknowledging the diverse purposes and implications of online interactions.
Below, you can download the PDF document about the Guidelines for the Use of Social Media in all three languages.
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
