Strategy for controlling negative Facebook impact needed
Strategies must be drawn to control the negative impact of social media on society, Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.
Responding to a question by a journalist at the Cabinet press briefing yesterday, the minister said a background study on the impact of social media networks such as Facebook is in progress.
He said as cases of negative impact of social media are on the rise, a wide discussion should be facilitated in society as to how these could be countered and controlled.
The minister observed that whenever the government attempts to introduce some sort of regulating mechanism on social media, it comes under heavy criticism over obstructing media freedom.
Therefore, he said designing strategies to control the negative side of social media must be done after careful study and with broad consultation with experts in the field.
The minister further observed that social media assumes a greater role in communicating general knowledge, adding that the positive side of social media should not be hindered by any kind of regulation.
Government Information Director General Prof Ariyarathna Athugala and News Director Wasanthapriya Ramanayake were also present.
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Strategy for controlling negative Facebook impact needed