Ireland’s media watchdog to crack down on online platforms hosting illegal content [Video]

COMISIÚN NA MEÁN, Ireland’s media watchdog, has begun a formal review of online platforms including the likes of Tiktok, X and Youtube, which will investigate why people are having difficulty reporting illegal content online.

Under the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), online platforms are required to act on reports of illegal content. Illegal content can include, for example, child sexual abuse material or terrorist propaganda. 

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly recently launched a taskforce with a mandate to protect children from being exposed to harmful content online, saying that the State would no longer be “asking nicely” when it deals with social media sites and apps.

“I think the time of asking or expecting online platforms do the right thing is over,” he said. ”

“I think we might as well be asking tobacco companies to do the right thing.”

The Comisiún’s concerns have come following an initial review, alongside information gathered from its Contact Centre, and complaints passed on by other European regulators. 

“An …