Sri Lanka’s score on ‘Obstacle to access was 12 out 25; ‘Limits on content’ was 22/35 and ‘Violations of user rights’ - 18/40.
Improvement was a result of the lack of blocks on social media platforms during the coverage period.
Improvements in internet penetration and a drop in cyberattacks also contributed to the increase in the score.
However, proposed legislation for the Broadcasting Regulatory Act, the Antiterrorism Act and Anti-Corruption Bill raised concerns as they could potentially undermine online freedom of expression and privacy in the future.
Despite these continued restrictions, Sri Lankans continued to engage in digital activism around a range of issues.