Coimisiún na Meán, the organization that has replaced the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, has announced its plans to improve online safety and regulate the Irish media industry. Additionally, the commission will oversee the regulation of large online platforms and search engines with European headquarters in Ireland. This marks the first time that online service providers will have legal obligations to ensure internet safety for all users.
“The issue of harmful and illegal online content is a global problem. Our objective is to regulate service providers based in Ireland, ensuring a safer online environment for people in Ireland and across the EU. An Coimisiún will implement a binding online safety code to tackle harmful content on video-sharing platforms. We will also enforce the new EU Digital Services Act to address a wider range of harms,” stated Jeremy Godfrey, Executive Chairperson of Coimisiún na Meán.
“Our main focus will be safeguarding children. We will collaborate closely with counterparts in other EU member states and the European Commission to protect Irish users, regardless of where the service providers are based,” he added.
Mr. Godfrey emphasized that the online safety code and Digital Services Act will have significant consequences. Failure by service providers to take appropriate measures to mitigate online harms may result in fines of up to €20 million or 10% of relevant turnover, whichever is greater, under the online safety code. Alternatively, fines of 6% of worldwide turnover may be imposed if prosecution occurs under the new EU Digital Services Act.
Coimisiún na Meán will establish connections with similar organizations in the EU to fulfill its role effectively.
Niamh Hodnett, the Online Safety Commissioner, highlighted the first online safety code’s objective to reduce harmful content on video-sharing platforms during the launch of the organization’s work program for the next nine months.
“The impact of harmful content online, such as toxic beauty, self-harm, suicide ideation, and cyberbullying without respite, has significantly affected mental health, especially among children. Misogynistic content online discourages women from assuming public roles. Incitement to hatred and racism online can lead to physical harm in the real world,” said Hodnett.
“Children are exposed to age-inappropriate pornographic content, distorting their understanding of consent. We can all strive for improvement. The online safety code aims to minimize harmful content online,” she added.
The introduction of new regulations aims to make the complaint process regarding online content and social media more user-friendly and transparent. Additionally, broadcasting regulations will be extended to cover on-demand services, reflecting the evolving viewing habits in recent years.
“Viewing habits are changing rapidly. Traditional television still holds significance as a collective national experience, but viewers now spend more time accessing content through on-demand services. We will update and modify the rules for traditional broadcasting to encompass video-on-demand platforms. We will also explore implementing rules that enhance accessibility to public service content for users of on-demand interfaces,” stated Mr. Godfrey.
The coimisiún’s role will also include supporting the broader media sector through funding schemes for local journalism, a review of Irish language services, and a strategy to promote gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in the media.
Minister for Media Catherine Martin welcomed the publication of the coimisiún’s work program and emphasized the importance of creating a safer online environment, particularly for children.
“The enactment of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 in December laid the foundation for a new regulatory framework for online safety. Building a safer online environment for all, especially children, has been one of my key priorities as minister,” she stated.
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