Everyone relies on the World Wide Web (WWW), which has been available to the public since 30 April 1993. The Internet keeps us connected, assists us with daily life, and is an excellent source of knowledge. Within two decades, the Internet has evolved rapidly; today, it has become a part of our daily lives.

The more people use the Internet, the more bad actors use it to hurt others. Cybercrimes are complex and multi-faceted, and some common types are taking sensitive information from internet users, theft of identity, and cyberstalking.

Unsuspecting users fall prey to these ever-evolving cyber threats easily. As a rule of thumb, constantly update software and apps, use an antivirus or firewall software, backup important stuff to a portable hard drive for online transactions, check the URL and make sure it has HTTPS:// in it, and use two-step verification always, double-check people who you add on social media and never share private information and always check who you are talking with to avoid getting blackmailed, cover the webcams, know how to wipe your device if stolen.

Below are some Sri Lankan organizations and Government bodies that are formed to help you prevent and fight against cyber crimes

Sri Lanka CERT

The Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) is the focal point of cybersecurity in Sri Lanka.

You can lodge a report by:

Filling a form on their website: cert.gov.lk

Contacting them via telephone: +94 11 269 1692 / 269 5749 / 267 9888

Sending them a fax message: +94 11 269 1064

Emailing them: [email protected]

CID Cyber Crimes Division

Report incidents of cybercrime (including cyber-bullying) here: telligp. police. Lk

National Child Protection Authority 

Contact the NCPA if the victim of cyberbullying is a minor (if the victim is under 18 years old).

Contact 1929. The NCPA hotline is toll-free and available 24/7, and all reports are treated confidentially. Visit childprotection.gov.lk for more information.

The NCPA also has several educational resources for children and parents on online safety, which can be accessed here: childprotection.gov.lk/?page_id=2211

 Women In Need (WIN)

WIN provides support for victims of gender-based cyber violence to take legal action by reporting the incidents to the relevant authorities. WIN helps victims through each case with the backing of The Grassroots Trust and VOICE Foundation.

Contact: 011 267 14 11 / 011 471 85 85 

Email: [email protected]

24hr Hotline: 077 567 65 55

Read more: http://www.bakamoono.lk/en/menu/1658

Legal support for online crimes

Penal code sections refer to different forms of cyber violence

For example:

• Section 345 – Sexual harassment
• Section 372 – extortion to tackle blackmailing over-sharing personal  

Photos/ Videos

• Section 483 – criminal intimidation

Obscene Publications Act prevents acts of sharing personal, intimate images without consent and sharing images edited explicitly through software.

As per section 02 of this act, the distribution or public exhibition of “obscene” photographs and possession of such pictures are offenses.

The Payment Devices Fraud Act –Section 03 (r) confirms obtaining money or goods through a payment device with intent to defraud is an offense and addresses blackmail scenarios.

The Computer Crimes Act – Section 07 says obtaining information from a computer or a storage medium of a computer without permission and downloading, uploading, or making copies of such illegally acquired content are crimes.

Theoretically, it is easy for victims to appeal for justice regarding crimes online with such legislation in place.

However, the loopholes in the online violence report system make many victims not seek help from the authorities for justice. Please share this post to alert your friends and family before it’s too late!