Media regulator outlines plans for online safety, elections
Protecting children online and tackling disinformation are among the priorities outlined in new plans published by Coimisiún na Meán.
In its programme of work for 2025, the media regulator said it will pilot a programme to provide support for children at imminent risk of harm from online content, as a precursor to consideration of a wider individual complaints mechanism.
The commission has also published a three-year strategy statement.
The plans pledge to reduce the impact of disinformation and tackle online hate.
"We will develop and publish guidance on identifying and reporting illegal hate speech online," the 2025 programme of work states.
"We will develop and roll out educational materials relating to online hate," it adds.
Coimisiún na Meán said it is preparing for this year's presidential election, including research and the ongoing development of resources and tools.
It plans to share the results of research it has conducted into candidates' experiences of online abuse during last year's elections.
The commission said it will develop and implement an Electoral Integrity Strategy across all media sources.
"We will continue to participate in the implementation group established following the report of the Task Force on Safe Participation in Political Life," the commission said.
The plans highlight the importance of public awareness of the risks of online fraud, exploitation and scams and of how to mitigate them.
The commission is also calling for greater implementation of advertising controls supporting consumers in identifying advertorial and other commercial content.
"We will use our formal complaint-handling, supervision and investigative powers and take enforcement action when necessary to hold regulated entities to account," according to the plans.
Executive Chair of Coimisiún na Meán Jeremy Godfrey said the publication of the strategy documents is an important milestone for the organisation.
"As Ireland's media landscape evolves, we feel a unique responsibility to ensure that we shape the changing media environment to better serve Irish audiences, to uphold fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, and to protect people, especially children, from harm," Mr Godfrey said.
"Guided by our Strategy Statement, and supported by our annual Work Programmes, we look forward to continuing to deliver a thriving, diverse, creative, safe and trusted media landscape for Ireland," he added.
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