Since the birth of social media around two decades ago, prominent corporations have advocated for self-regulation as the preeminent form of control, effectively convincing governments of its advantages. However, the detrimental effects of social media and the insufficiencies shown by the leading firms are becoming more noticeable. Moreover, following Elon Musk taking control of X – previously known as Twitter – in 2022, the argument for self-regulation lost even more credibility.
Portraying itself as an unwavering supporter of unrestricted speech, this platform is now sinking into a morass of hateful dialogue and politically destabilising false information. Musk has dismantled the platform’s protective barriers against harmful content and even manipulated X to promote his political motives.
There are other factors that emphasise the need for action. Social media platforms serve as spaces for the widespread dissemination of false information and threats towards political figures. Often, the oversight of these platforms seems to be weak, and their responses too delayed.
In reaction to this situation, Taoiseach Simon Harris recently declared the end of the self-regulation era, promising to convene a meeting involving State agencies and other relevant parties to discuss additional social media regulations. Given that many of the largest social media corporations globally have their international headquarters in Dublin, it is crucial for Ireland to assume an important role in the regulatory respect.
However, regulations are only worthwhile when effectively enforced. In the last two years, the Government has proposed the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill. More critically, the Digital Services Act has been passed by the EU, tackling illegal content, transparent advertising and disinformation.
This Act is equipped to handle many misuses rampant on social media platforms. The ambiguity lies in the enforcement by the 27 EU member states. Therefore, the immediate necessity is to ensure robust and consistent enforcement of the present regulations.