New Online Safety Code To Regulate Social Media Without Curtailing Free Speech, Says Taoiseach

Monday, 19 August 2024 16:50

By Martin Osborne

The Online Safety Code will govern how sites deal with issues such as cyberbullying and harmful content on ten sites and allows for fines up to 20 million Euro for breaches.

New regulations to compel social media companies to act in relation to illegal material should be in place by the end of the year.

The Online Safety Code will govern how sites deal with issues such as cyberbullying and harmful content on ten sites and allows for fines up to 20 million Euro for breaches.

It comes amid a rise in misinformation, threats aimed at politicians as well as anti-asylum seeker riots in Ireland and the UK.

Taoiseach Simon Harris insists the new regulations are not designed to curtail free speech.

More from National News

Illegal Parking In Disabled Spaces: 566 Fines Issued In Kildare-Carlow Garda Division Since January 2024

New figures show that between January 2024 and June 2025, a total of 566 fixed charge notices were issued in the Kildare/Carlow Garda Division for parking in disabled bays without a valid permit.
Only National Road Out Of Dublin "Never Upgraded": TD Presses For N81 Upgrade In Dáil

Raising the issue during a Dáil debate, Wicklow Fine Gael TD Edward Timmins cited multiple studies identifying the N81 as “one of the most dangerous roads in the country.”
Kildare North TD Aidan Farrelly Welcomes Party’s Backing Of Catherine Connolly For Áras Bid

Kildare North Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly has welcomed the move, saying Ms Connolly has been a strong voice for peace, human rights, and progressive causes.
Ex-Principal Of Leinster Senior College Loses Dismissal Case Over Grinds Venture And Shredded Diaries

An internal investigation had been launched after the school learned he was running what it considered a rival grinds business.
Blocked By Red Tape: Senator Says Councils Need Clarity On Accepting Donated Land And Buildings

Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Fiona O Loughlin said red tape is often blocking generous donations that could benefit local communities, especially in areas where facilities for arts, recreation or education are badly needed.
Multiple Arrests Made After Spate Of Violent Incidents In Arklow

A number of premises were searched in the Wexford/Wicklow division this morning in connection with these incidents and a quantity of suspected crack cocaine was seized.
Crash In Dunlavin Leaves Woman Hospitalised With Serious Injuries

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the area between 5.30 and 6.30pm to contact Naas Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line.
Migrant Effigies Burned In Tyrone — Just One Of Many Bonfires Planned This Week

Audio

The pyre in Moygashel is one of around 300 to be lit ahead of the loyalist 12th of July celebrations tomorrow.