Taoiseach Simon Harris will chair an Online Safety Summit today in Government Buildings.
The purpose of the online summit is to ensure a collective focus across Government on effective implementation of the new Online Safety Framework.
The Taoiseach and Ministers will be briefed by the Regulators, as well as An Garda Síochána, on progress to date, implementation plans in the period ahead, challenges they face, and how the Government can support their work in Ireland and at EU level.
Speaking ahead of the summit, the Taoiseach said:
We find ourselves at an important juncture in terms of regulating the digital world.
We have an opportunity now to make a difference and ensure we get this right, in particular, for more vulnerable users such as children and young people.
I want to make sure that there’s a very clear legal understanding in Ireland and across the European Union that the online world does not operate in some sort of parallel universe.
and he continued:
The obligations that apply offline in terms of abiding by the laws of the land also need to apply online.
With the upcoming new Online Safety Code and the Digital Services Act, we have significant tools at our disposal.
We must now make sure we are using these effectively.
We are committed to discharging our regulatory obligations in a consistent, coherent, and timely manner to deliver appropriate protections for individuals and society, and to provide certainty for industry.
and he concluded:
I look forward to hearing from the Regulators on their plans for continued implementation and enforcement of these important and ground-breaking regulations.
The second part of the summit will include meetings with stakeholders representing the views of users of online digital services, including children and vulnerable groups.
Minister Rabbitte at the Department of Children, Youth, Equality, Disability and Integration said:
The obligations that apply offline in terms of abiding by the law, without a doubt, should apply online.
With the upcoming new Online Safety Code and the Digital Services Act, we will now have impactful tools at our disposal in government.
Professor Mary Aiken, Cyberpsychologist, a formidable and passionate expert in the field for over 15 years is very clear:
“The relationship is not between the parent, the child and the phone. This is a policy, regulatory piece.
Parents should not be left to paddle their own canoe in cyberspace.
The companies that are monetising the attention of children profiting in this space have to be held accountable.”
and she continued:
Social media platforms can and do have a detrimental impact on young adults and children, particularly when used excessively.
Excessive exposure to curated content and idealised images can lead to unrealistic expectations about body image, relationships, and indeed the meaning of success.
Additionally, the constant pressure to maintain a positive online presence can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
The addictive nature of social media can also interfere with academic performance, sleep patterns, and social interactions.
Furthermore, online bullying, harassment, and exposure to harmful content can have long-lasting negative effects on mental health and well-being.
and she concluded:
The internet offers countless opportunities for learning, growth, and connection, but it also exposes individuals to potential dangers such as cyberbullying, online predators, and harmful content. We have a real opportunity now to make a difference.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin said:
Following its establishment in 2023, Coimisiún na Meán has a central role in developing and enforcing a new Online Safety Framework, including a new Online Safety Code, which it plans to adopt next month.
This is an important milestone in addressing illegal and harmful online content and behaviour, including the exposure of children to harmful content.
This new Framework enables us to address some of the root causes of harm online, and today’s Summit highlights the focus and priority across Government on ensuring its effective implementation.
