Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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8. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will ensure that his Department works closely with Coimisiún na Meán, An Garda Síochána, and education partners to strengthen prevention and protect victims, in order that our online spaces reflect the values of safety, respect, and democracy we expect offline (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64060/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Threats and harassment of any individual are not acceptable. The bringing to justice of the perpetrators of such abuse, whether online or offline, is a matter for An Garda Síochána and if anyone is subjected to threats or abuse, they should report it immediately to the Gardaí. Furthermore, I would encourage anyone who sees any abusive or threatening content online to report it, in the first instance, to the relevant platform. If a person is dissatisfied with the platform’s response, they can report it to Coimisiún na Meán.

Under the online safety framework, platforms are obliged to minimise the availability of harmful online content like cyberbullying, incitement to hatred or violence. They must provide a way for people to report content they think is illegal, respond to these reports in a timely and diligent manner and consistently enforce their own terms and conditions. In particular, under the Digital Services Act, which is part of Ireland’s online safety framework, the largest online platforms must take mitigation measures in relation to the availability and exposure of users to illegal online content. This includes, for example, certain abusive, threatening or offensive communications as detailed in Coco’s Law (the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act, 2020).

The European Commission is the lead regulator in enforcing these requirements for the largest platforms and search engines. Coimisiún na Meán, as Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator under the DSA, supports the European Commission in enforcing these obligations. An Coimisiún announced last week that it is investigating the platform X for possible non-compliance with the DSA in respect of how they deal with complaints.

In September, Coimisiún na Meán published a report into the experiences of candidates in the 2024 elections. Many said that they were subject to abuse or threats online. An Coimisiún is committed to working with all stakeholders to address the issues raised in the report. An Coimisiún already works closely with An Garda Síochána on such matters and both bodies are working on a memorandum of understanding to structure this cooperation.

Awareness is important and last year, An Coimisiún produced a range of online safety materials for schools and later this year, An Coimisiún will be running public awareness campaigns across social media and other channels to carry the message that content like that is unacceptable and that people should report it to the relevant platforms in the first instance.

As a politician and a parent, I am committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that our online spaces are safe for everyone.