As a general principle, under Irish and EU law, companies are free to establish in this country. If a company subsequently engages in illegal activity, then the State’s enforcement processes would be set in train to pursue any law-breaking.
I am aware of the very serious anonymous cyber bullying issues which are alleged were associated with users of the former Ukrainian-based social network site, Ask.fm.
In August last, Ask.fm was acquired by another Internet company, Ask.com, which is headquartered in New York. Ask.com was formerly known as AskJeeves.com and is a well-known mainstream internet site which connects a user's question to multiple and diversely sourced answers. Despite the similarity in name, there was no prior connection between the two companies. The founders of Ask.fm are no longer involved in its operations and do not retain any equity in the company. Ask.fm is now a subsidiary of Ask.com and the parent company have decided that it should be legally based in Ireland.
Ask.com has committed to restructuring Ask.fm and has publicly stated that it will initiate a comprehensive safety strategy, with the adoption of moderation and intervention technologies to protect younger audience from inappropriate content and to catch and remove violent, illegal, threatening or harassing content. It has engaged eminent digital safety experts to pursue this agenda. It would obviously be a source of serious concern if this or any other Irish registered company were not to actively discourage instances of cyberbullying. The new parent company of Ask.fm has also stated that it intends engaging with relevant Irish Regulatory Authorities.
I am very conscious of the need to preserve our national reputation, in terms of good corporate behaviour, by companies based here, especially in the Digital sector, which has brought such benefits to the Irish economy. The Internet poses particular enforcement challenges, but it is reassuring that in this specific case, significant commitments for change have been made by the new owners. The matter of internet safety and the legality of online operations on an ongoing basis is one for which the Minister for Justice and Equality has primary responsibility.
