An Oireachtas committee recently heard criticism from the Hope and Courage Collective regarding social media companies’ failure to adequately safeguard users despite their resources. The organisation expressed concerns about the rise in anti-migrant content and loopholes in regulation.
Representatives discussed the need for social media platforms to be held accountable for the harmful content they host. They highlighted a cut in ‘trust and safety teams’ as a factor contributing to the increase in divisive online material.
The Institute for Strategic Dialogue also emphasized the importance of enhanced protections for users, especially children, against misinformation and extremist content. The committee acknowledged the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating online disinformation and misinformation.
Furthermore, criticism was directed at the newly established Appeals Centre Europe, with concerns raised about its independence from major social media companies like Facebook.
In response to these issues, National Coordinator of Media Literacy Ireland Martina Chapman suggested empowering parents in addressing online content concerns. Fine Gael TD Michael Ring echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for action against the alarming trend of online misinformation.
Overall, the discussion underscored the pressing need for stronger regulation and enforcement measures to safeguard online users and combat the spread of harmful content.