Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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117. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has met with a company (details supplied) regarding online misinformation; if she is aware that the company recently declined to attend an Oireachtas media committee meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55860/23]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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The Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Act and the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), amongst other legislation, provide the basis for a new online safety regulatory framework which requires that platforms, including that provided by the company referred to by the Deputy, put in place systems and processes to reduce the availability of harmful online content, including disinformation.

In March of this year, Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland's new online safety and media regulator, was formally established under the OSMR Act. From February 2024, An Coimisiún will also be Ireland's Digital Services Coordinator (DSC) under the DSA. An Coimisiún is independent in the exercise of its functions. As that independent regulator, it is An Coimisiún that is and will be ensuring platforms take the necessary steps to protect users from harmful online content, including disinformation, in conjunction with the European Commission where appropriate. Accordingly, I have not met the platforms, including the company referred to by the Deputy, in relation to online disinformation. However, my officials have regular engagement with An Coimisiún and I met the relevant Commissioners most recently on 17th November and 27th November.

Finally, I would urge anyone who has been asked to appear before an Oireachtas Committee to do so where possible. It is important that there is good engagement between Oireachtas committees and stakeholders across society and the business community. This engagement is key to transparency, accountability and ultimately public trust.