Social media companies in Ireland are under fire after a dark threat was made against Taoiseach Simon Harris and his family on Instagram. This incident highlights the need for stricter regulation of harmful content and misinformation on social media platforms. Political leaders have warned that the era of self-regulation for these companies is over, and a new Online Safety Code is set to be implemented.
The code will hold platforms accountable for keeping users safe from harmful content, particularly children. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to €20m or 10% of their annual turnover. While some experts have doubts about the effectiveness of the code, it marks a step towards addressing the issue of toxic content online.
As pressure mounts on social media giants to take action, it is clear that changes are needed to protect users and prevent the spread of harmful content. With upcoming regulations and increased public scrutiny, the golden age of unrestricted social media may be coming to an end.