TRC warns public on false SMS and nuisance calls
View(s):The revelation that a SMS had allegedly triggered panic buying of fuel for three consecutive weeks recently has prompted Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (TRC) to warn the public on the use of freedom of expression without harming the society.
Publishing a notice in newspapers on Thursday, the TRC announced that making personal, defamatory, or hate statements using telecommunication system or social media (face book, twitter) or sending SMS with false information or making misleading telephone calls is a punishable offence.
Sending someone an indecent, obscene, rebellious, prurient, threatening, extremely unpleasant messages or giving telephone calls to cause distress or annoyance without any valid reason is an offence under Sri Lanka Telecommunication Act No. 25 of 1991.
The offenders if found guilty are liable for a penalty of not exceeding Rs. 5,000 and, in default of payment of such fine, to imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding six months, a senior official of the TRC told Business Times.
If someone received a nuisance call or a text message and if that happens persistently then the person receiving such calls or SMS can lodge a complaint with the nearest police station.
He should also inform his service provider about the calls or texts. After this process the mobile service provider will contact the caller or SMS sender and warn him or her for the unlawful activity and explain about the legal background, he said.
Minister Arjuna Ranatunga said he has written to the President about the SMS that triggered public panic claiming that a fuel shortage would occur. An inquiry is to be launched shortly.