SJB Member of Parliament, Harsha de Silva, emphasized the importance of the government considering the economic implications of the Online Safety Bill, even though he acknowledged the need for regulating social media. Speaking yesterday, he highlighted the potential impact of the bill on e-commerce and stressed the significance of involving youth in the economy through online business opportunities.
De Silva expressed concern that regulations like the Online Safety Bill might hinder the participation of young individuals in the e-commerce sector, limiting their economic prospects. He cautioned against categorizing service providers like Facebook and YouTube as culprits solely based on the actions of users who upload undesirable content on social media platforms.
In advocating for a balanced approach to online safety regulations, the MP urged policymakers to recognize the broader economic consequences and ensure that the legislation does not inadvertently impede the growth of the e-commerce industry or hinder the economic engagement of the younger generation.