Complex Online Safety Bill could ‘deter investment’

In light of the government’s publication of its updated Online Safety Bill, a leading business body has suggested it could “deter investment.”

Chief policy director at the CBI- which over 190,000 businesses across the UK- Matthew Fell argues that the “landmark legislation is important and necessary to keep people safe online,” and that “business wholeheartedly back this ambition.”

However he suggested that “the Bill in its current form raises some red flags, including extending the scope to legal but harmful content. Around 24,000 business in particular SMEs are expected to fall within scope of these measures.

“Not only will this deter investment at a time when our country needs it most but will fail to deliver on the aims of this legislation.

“This is an incredibly complex set of regulations and businesses will be combing through the detail over the coming days. Ensuring the Bill is feasible for companies to implement is essential – they will work with policymakers to make that happen as the Bill moves through Parliament.”