Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 April 2023
67. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to outline her engagement with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communication concerning online trolling and other online abuse targeted at LGBTQ+ young people. [18601/23]
View answerThe Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Act was commenced on 15 March 2023 and marks the formal establishment of a new regulator, Coimisiún na Meán. The Act provides for a regulatory framework for online safety and An Coimisiún will enforce that framework, primarily through the making of binding online safety codes.
The online safety codes will require designated online services to take measures to tackle the availability of defined categories of harmful online content. This includes online content linked to 42 listed offences, such as offences in relation to harassment and abusive messaging under Coco's Law (the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020) and incitement to hatred under the Incitement to Hatred Act, 1989. It remains the role of An Garda Síochána to investigate suspected criminal activities by individuals.
Coimisiún na Meán has a suite of enforcement powers available to it, including the power to seek the imposition of financial sanctions of up to €20 million or 10% of turnover for contraventions of online safety codes.
In light of the impact that certain kinds of harmful online content has on LGBTI+ people, particularly young people, this legislation and the establishment of An Coimisiún are important steps forward in safeguarding these communities.
In terms of engagement, my Department has not engaged with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications on these issues but my Department is co-operating with the Department of Justice to ensure that any forthcoming changes in criminal law in relation to incitement to hatred are reflected in the regulatory framework for online safety.
In addition, I understand the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is planning for legislation in relation to the promotion of conversion therapy practices. When this legislation is put in place, An Coimisiún will develop corresponding online safety codes in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
