Ms Celene Craig:

I thank the Deputy for the question. The BAI envisages a very high-level scheme where, primarily, the platforms themselves will be required, through the commission's codes, to take responsibility for the matters and content that link to areas specified in the legislation. We expect the online platforms would have in place the necessary arrangements to deal speedily with issues that are raised and with content that might be prohibited by the codes.

There is one area we do not envisage the media commission should be involved, namely, the large-scale removal of content on online platforms. We do believe, however, that ultimately the media commission should have the ability to make a determination in respect of a piece of content that is particularly egregious, where the commission is of the view that the matter has not been resolved to satisfaction. It is important to say that the general scheme envisages that the platforms will take responsibility, that there will be independent appeals mechanisms and that there will be potential for mediation. We do not envisage a vast number of such requests landing on the media commission's desk, but there would be some situations. We are quite persuaded around this, having spoken with many of the organisations who are involved in dealing with harmful online content, and especially harmful online content as it impacts young children and where the need is to protect the individual or a vulnerable adult from the harm being caused. We believe that ultimately this should be an option open to the new media commission. The BAI does not envisage - I must strongly say - that there will be a large or wholesale taking down of content in a way that may not be desirable. Ultimately, we are hoping that platforms are encouraged to adhere to the code, to make the right decisions and to have in place the proper processes for the removal of harmful content. We recognise that there is a big concern that not all complaints of this nature can be successfully resolved. There is a particular concern as it impacts young children who are active on platforms. That is the BAI's thinking in that regard. We suggest that it be given some further consideration.