In recent weeks, we have seen a rise in threats of violence online directed at politicians, public figures, and members of their families. This activity can have a hugely negative impact on those targeted and undermines our democracy. Online abuse directed at elected representatives can have a chilling effect on democracy.
Threatening violence online is illegal. Under the EU Digital Services Act, online platforms must provide a way for people to report content they think is illegal. Platforms must respond to these reports in a timely and diligent manner. They must also consistently enforce their own terms and conditions relating to content.
Coimisiún na Meán does not have powers to compel the immediate removal of illegal content from online platforms. Our role is to make sure that the platforms’ content reporting systems are working effectively in compliance with the law.
We met with Meta about the threats directed at An Taoiseach and his family. We have also been in touch with representatives from An Garda Síochána and the European Commission about this incident. We are now assessing Meta’s compliance with their obligations under the EU Digital Services Act. We will be following up with Meta to seek further information about the circumstances of this incident and their response. We will then consider our next steps. We have a range of powers available to us under our Online Safety Framework, which consists of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, the EU Digital Services Act and the EU Terrorist Content Online Regulation.