Situation, Facts and Events
29.10.2024

From cyberbullying to terrorism: Ireland introduces tough rules for social media

Ireland’s internet and mass media regulator Coimisiún na Meán has adopted and published an Online Safety Code that will come into effect next month. The document will affect the largest video platforms headquartered in the country, including ByteDance’s TikTok, Google’s YouTube, and Meta’s Instagram and Facebook Reels.

Under the provisions of the Code, platforms are required to include in their terms of use a ban on the publication and distribution of a range of harmful content types, such as cyberbullying, promotion of suicide or eating disorders, as well as content that incites hatred, violence, terrorism, child sexual abuse, racism and xenophobia.

A spokesman for Coimisiún na Meán, Adam Hurley, explained that the new Code complements the European Digital Services Act (DSA). Unlike pan-European legislation which focuses on combating illegal content, the Irish document covers a wider range of potentially harmful materials.
 
While the Code technically only applies to video platforms that provide services to users in Ireland, tech companies could implement similar measures across the region to streamline compliance and prevent questions about inconsistent content standards.

It is important to note that EU law prohibits requiring platforms to undertake general content monitoring. Hurley says the Irish Code does not require the implementation of upload filters, but rather extends the existing notice and takedown approach by allowing users to report harmful content for review.
 

Source: securitylab.ru