The bill has been criticised by human rights groups, journalists and opposition politicians as a means of stifling freedom of speech.

[2] President Ranil Wickremesinghe said the bill was intended to combat cybercrime, including data theft, child abuse and online fraud.

[4] Opposition politician Rauff Hakeem said the bill was "a manifestation of a government which is trying to dismantle even the remaining few safeguards for freedom of expression in this country and to destroy democracy.

"[1] Samagi Jana Balawegaya politician Harsha de Silva called the bill "a threat to our democracy", saying that it would have "a severe negative impact on expanding e-commerce in Sri Lanka, to provide jobs to our youth and help our economy, which is in desperate need of growth.

"[2][4] Alles said the bill's intent was "not to suppress the media or the opposition", adding, "Any complaint will be taken up by the commission, who will be appointed by the president and they will decide how to act.