Public's views sought on new safety code to protect users from harmful online content
19, Open The Responses Picture: On Code Istock Online January Friday, The Until File Consultation Is Safety 2024 For
Ireland’s new media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, wants the public’s views on a new Online Safety Code that would make digital service providers legally accountable for protecting people online.
The draft code will outline measures that video-sharing platforms will have to implement to keep users, especially children, safe from harmful online content like cyberbullying, content which encourages feeding or eating disorders, and content which promotes self-harm or suicide.
Once established, the new code will be legally binding and platforms will face fines of up to €20m for breaches.
The framework will also include the EU Digital Services Act and the EU Terrorist Content Online Regulation, as well as measures enforcing robust age verification technology to ensure children are not exposed to inappropriate content, such as pornography.
As part of the new code, video-sharing platforms will also have to prevent the uploading or sharing of a range of illegal content, and parents will also have to be given tools to ensure children do not encounter such content.
The code will also require platforms to provide media literacy tools for users to help them recognise disinformation and misinformation.
“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,” said online safety commissioner Niamh Hodnett.
She said the draft code was informed by the views gathered as part of a call for inputs from civil society organisations and industry last summer.
“We are now inviting members of the public to have their say in this critical part of our new online safety regime,” she said.
After the consultation, Coimisiún na Meán said it would finalise the code and seek approval for its implementation from the European Commission.
“This effective regulation of video-sharing platforms will significantly reduce the potential harms that these services can cause to children and young people,” Ms Hodnett added.
The consultation on the Online Safety Code is open for responses until Friday, January 19, 2024.
- More information can on the draft code and consultation can be found on Coimisiún na Meán's website.