Submissions to Online Safety Consultation
The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton has published all submissions received to the public consultation on the introduction of a new Online Safety Act.
In March of this year, Minister Bruton brought forward detailed proposals for a new online safety law to protect children from harmful content online. The measures outlined by the Minister included the operation of an online safety code by each operator and a requirement to build safety into the design of new systems. It was proposed that a new law would be overseen by a regulator, an Online Safety Commissioner. A public consultation was commenced on these proposals and submissions were invited from all interested parties. Today the Minister is publishing all submissions received.
Minister Bruton said: “New technology has transformed our lives. It provides huge opportunities for us all, however it also presents new risks which did not exist previously.
“Earlier this year I put forward proposals for a new online safety law to protect our children online. This new law will be overseen by a powerful new regulator, an Online Safety Commissioner. Upon outlining my proposals, I commenced a short six week consultation on them to hear the views of the wider community. Today I am publishing all submissions received to this consultation on my Department’s website. I’d like to thank all those who have contributed.
“All views will be considered now as we develop legislation in this area. I would like to make clear however, that while we are listening to all points of view, we will not accept a situation whereby online companies are permitted to regulate themselves. That day is gone. We need better controls in place. I will bring draft heads of bill to Government once all matters have been considered.”
Full details of the consultation can be accessed here: https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/communications/consultations/Pages/Regulation-of-Harmful-Online-Content-and-the-Implementation-of-the-revised-Audiovisual-Media-Services-Directive.aspx