Professor Joe Carthy:

I thank the committee for the invitation to attend here today. In the interests of time, I will keep my submission brief. I will concentrate on two issues I believe are important in this area. The first is regulation. There is no history to show that a lack of regulation or self-regulation in any industry has worked. We are relying on self-regulation very often in the cyberworld, which is a grave error. Automobile legislation offers a very good model for the cyberworld. Every car in the country is required to have a number plate, which can be used to identify the owner. A similar system in the cyberworld, where users could be identified would greatly diminish instances of cyberbullying, cyberstalking, hate speech and so on. If we could legislate in this key area it would make a significant difference. I accept the details would have to be worked out very carefully. First, social media platforms and online providers would have to register their users and the users would provide appropriate evidence of identity. In the case of minors, parents or guardians would be responsible. Second, users or parents who can show that they have been bullied, harassed or abused on a social media platform, should be legally entitled to find out the identity of the user carrying out the inappropriate behaviour. That one simple measure would make a significant difference in this area. I accept there is an international dimension but other countries would look to Ireland to set a lead and Ireland could pursue it at an EU level.

Computer users have a responsibility as well. Again, the automobile industry offers an example in that we must have a national car test, NCT, on our cars. We cannot put an unsafe car on the road. If we have a computer system there is an obligation on us to have appropriate anti-virus software installed in order that our computers cannot be hacked, our information cannot be stolen or, equally important, that our computers cannot be infected by malware, which allows them to partake in attacks on computers on the Internet, unbeknownst to us. That is a widespread problem. Thousands of Irish computers are currently infected by such software. The regulation could be such that if one is going on the Internet, one must ensure one has appropriate anti-virus software on one's computer.

In terms of keeping children safe, the concept of a digital safety commissioner is valuable but we must make sure the office has the correct mandate and the resources to carry out the tasks assigned to it. We also need public awareness campaigns. Again, to return to the automobile situation, the Road Safety Authority has a fantastic public awareness campaign and a similar campaign is required in terms of cyberawareness for parents and children. Digital literacy education must be improved at primary level so that all children and teachers are aware of the risk and dangers of using computers online.