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The Communications Minister has denied Ireland is in the pocket of tech giants like Facebook.<\/p>\nThe Communications Minister has denied Ireland is in the pocket of tech giants like Facebook.<\/p>\n
Reports over the weekend said former Taoiseach Enda Kenny helped Facebook influence EU data protection laws – something which has been disputed by the Irish regulator.<\/p>\n
The government this morning launched plans to fine or criminally charge tech giants who refuse to co-operate with a new Online Safety Commissioner.<\/p>\n
Minister Richard Bruton has denied the government is in the pockets of the large social media companies:<\/p>\n
“I think the evidence is absolutely clear that we are not (in their pockets),” he said.<\/p>\n
“I think Enda Kenny played a significant role in changing that.<\/p>\n
“It was a very small operation and people felt it didn’t have the capability to police and take on the responsibility. He has dramatically strengthened that office.”<\/p>\n
He added it is no longer sustainable to allow social media companies to self-regulate their users online safety.<\/p>\n
Mr Bruton says a new Online Safety Act is needed to protect children online, with plans in place to tackle cyber bullying in particular.<\/p>\n
An Online Safety Commissioner will be able to hand out fines to companies who don’t comply with the new laws.<\/p>\n
The Online Safety Act has been lauded by the Children’s Rights Alliance<\/p>\n
“To date the digital world, the online world has become a wild west where there has been no regulation or poor regulation of big tech companies,” said Tanya Ward, the group’s chief executive.<\/p>\n