6 Márta 2013, 16:35
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications tomorrow continues its hearings on the challenges facing individuals, families and communities from the rise of social media, including the challenges posed by cyber-bullying and online harassment.
6 March 2013
Sinead McSweeney, Director of Public Policy for Europe, Twitter; and Simon Milner, Policy Director for the UK & Ireland, Facebook will appear before the Committee tomorrow morning.
Chairman of the Committee Tom Hayes TD says: \"We look forward to hearing from the representatives of these two leading social media companies tomorrow morning on the safeguards that currently exist on Facebook and Twitter platforms. In particular, we wish to explore what mechanisms currently exist for both users and non-users of Facebook and Twitter who feel wronged to uphold their individual rights.”
“It comes after our first meeting on the matter this morning, in which we heard from Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte and officials from the Office for Internet Safety. A strong current of opinion at the meeting pointed to the very positive and exciting potential of social media. However, there is a fine balance to be struck between allowing freedom of speech on these channels while not impacting adversely on people's individual rights.
“A key focus of our Committee in these hearings is therefore to explore possible policies can be put in place to increase awareness of cyber-bullying and enhance accountability for the minority who abuse online channels. At these early stages of our hearings, it is clear that any recommendations will include a joined-up approach to this area, which might encompass those government departments in the areas of Justice, Communications and Education. Our engagement with Facebook and Twitter tomorrow is a valuable opportunity to further inform our consideration of this matter.”
The meeting commences tomorrow 7 March at 9:30 am in Committee Room 3, LH 2000. Committee proceedings can be followed live here.
The remaining public hearings are scheduled as follows:
- Wednesday, 13 March, 9:30 am: Representatives from the National Anti-Bullying Coalition
- Wednesday, 20 March, 9:30 am: Representatives from YouTube
Have your say: View more on the Committee's public consultation and make a submission.
For further information contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +353 1 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926
Terms of Reference for Discussions on Social Media
1. To provide a forum for debate on the challenges facing individuals, families and communities from the rise of social media, including the challenges posed by cyber-bullying and online harassment
2. To receive a Ministerial perspective and an official overview of the measures in place, including legislative measures, to meet the challenges posed by social media
3. To receive the views of the primary social media networks, i.e. Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
4. To allow a time period for public consultation and for the receipt of submissions on this topic
Committee Membership
Deputies
Michael Colreavy, Sinn Féin
Timmy Dooley, Fianna Fáil
Dessie Ellis, Sinn Féin
Terence Flanagan, Fine Gael
Tom Fleming, Independent
Noel Harrington, Fine Gael
Tom Hayes, Fine Gael (Chairman)
Seán Kenny, Labour
Eamonn Moloney, Labour
Michael Moynihan, Fianna Fáil
Patrick O’Donovan, Fine Gael
John O’Mahony, Fine Gael (Vice-Chairman)
Ann Phelan, Labour
Brian Walsh, Fine Gael
Senators
Terry Brennan
Sean D. Barrett
Eamonn Coghlan
Paschal Mooney
Ned O’Sullivan
John Whelan