Year
2025
Reform Domain
Media
Sub Domain
Freedom of Journalism
Source of Reform Proposals
Mass Media Reforms Commission
Reform Proposed
Reform Initiated
Legal and Policy Framework
Operationalisation
Action Implementation
Stage of Implementation
Reform Proposed
Last Update: 14-Dec-25
This reform proposal, articulated in the Media Reform Commission Report, was officially initiated.
Reform Initiated
Last Update: 14-Dec-25
On 1 December 2024 the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division published the draft of the new ordinance on its website and invited public feedback. Subsequently, on 24 December, the Advisory Council of the interim government approved the draft of the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2024, at one of its meetings. Facing criticism, the interim government introduced further amendments to the draft. Finally, on 6 May 2025, the Advisory Council gave its approval to the ordinance.
Legal and Policy Framework
Last Update: 02-May-26
Under the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025, some contentious provisions were repealed, and all cases filed solely under those repealed provisions were automatically dismissed. The ordinance was subsequently incorporated into the Cyber Security Act, 2026. Under this Act, Sections 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31 and 34 of the previous law have been repealed; all cases, investigations and proceedings filed under these sections have been cancelled, and the related penalties and fines have also been annulled.
Observation
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Through the Cyber Security Act, 2026, Sections 21 (expression related to the Liberation War and state symbols), 24 (identity fraud), 25–29 (religious sentiment, defamation, intimidation, false or offensive information dissemination) and 31 and 34 (unauthorised collection of information and related offences) have been repealed, which had long been criticised for restricting freedom of expression. As a result, the cancellation of cases, investigations and penalties filed under these sections has reduced the risk of legal harassment.
However, as other provisions of the law remain unchanged, concerns have not been fully addressed. The ruling party’s election manifesto has pledged to review the Act, and further amendments may be necessary in the future.
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