Coimisiún na Meán opens public consultation for online safety code
Ireland’s new media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, has opened a public consultation on its draft online safety code for video-sharing platform services.
This framework will also include the EU Digital Services Act and the EU Terrorist Content Online Regulation, enforced in Ireland by Coimisiún na Meán.
The draft code outlines safety measures for video-sharing platforms, focusing on protecting users from harmful online content. This includes cyberbullying; online content that promotes or encourages a feeding or eating disorder; and online content that promotes or encourages self-harm or suicide. The measures include using age verification technology to make sure that children are not exposed to inappropriate content, such as pornography. As part of these measures, parents must also be given the tools to ensure that children do not encounter illegal or harmful content online.
Platforms will have to prevent the uploading or sharing of a range of illegal content, including incitement to hatred or violence. They will also have to provide media literacy tools for users, which can help people recognise disinformation and misinformation. Once finalised, the code will be legally binding on designated video-sharing platforms based in Ireland.
Coimisiún na Meán will be able to impose fines of up to €20 million for breaches of the code.
Niamh Hodnett, online safety commissioner, Coimisiún na Meán, said: “Coimisiún na Meán is determined to use its full suite of powers to keep people safe online. The publication of the draft Code is a milestone in the move from self-regulation by platforms to effective regulation. The draft Code was informed by the views gathered as part of a call for inputs during the summer from civil society organisations and industry. These insights were extremely valuable in helping us to develop a robust code. We are now inviting members of the public to have their say in this critical part of our new online safety regime.
“Once the consultation closes, we will move to finalise Ireland’s first online safety code. We will be seeking approval from the European Commission to implement the code. This effective regulation of video-sharing platforms will significantly reduce the potential harms that these services can cause to children and young people.”
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