Independently elected TD, Michael Healy-Rae, has condemned the “appalling” and “damaging” online harassment he and his family have endured, urging for a crackdown on social media networks facilitating such conduct. The legislator from Kerry insists that while he remains unphased by the personal vilification, he draws the line at the defamation of his mother, who passed away in 2015.
“My late mother was an enormously distinguished lady,” acknowledged Healy-Rae during the Leaders’ Questions on Tuesday, pointing out his mother’s multilingual prowess, her humanistic outlook, and her unconditional support to everyone around her. He expressed his disgust at seeing his mother’s image being exploited in a derogatory manner, especially for political purposes, terming it as the final straw.
He had previously dubbed those responsible for making such slanderous remarks as “keyboard warriors”, however, he now elucidates them as “cowards” who misuse the freedom of the internet to hurl baseless accusations, with no repercussions. The Kerry TD notes the rising trend of people using their mobiles to propagate misinformation online, which is then easily consumed and believed by many.
Healy-Rae also mentioned his dissent towards the Hate Speech Bill, albeit clarifying that his fundamental objection lies with how mendacities are openly broadcasted with no legal consequences, drawing comparisons to the newspaper and television broadcasts that are legally bound to tell the truth. He expressed his concerns to the Taoiseach, urging him to restore some order and prevent the rampant spreading of verifiable lies on social media.
Mr. Harris was quick to support Mr. Healy Rae, calling the slander against his mother as “appalling” and “blameworthy”.
The Taoiseach recently expressed strong feelings towards the “disturbingly abhorrent online harassment” with nameless virtual tormentors aiming to subdue, bully and mentally overpower individuals, disrupting their mental calm. He claimed that there is a stark difference between a vigorous political discussion or even heated “tug of war” style exchanges within the Dáil, and the venomous, badly intentioned, negative comments found online.
The Taoiseach insisted that the online world must not be an unregulated territory. He mentioned the inception of the media regulator, Coimisiún na Meáin, and the creation of a “new framework for online safety, intended to hold platforms responsible and decrease damaging content on the internet.”
A preliminary web safety code is to be officially adopted later within the year. He stated that this safety code is “meant to complement existing laws to guarantee that the monitoring of platforms and the enforcement of rules is carried out effectively”. A failure to adhere to the code could potentially result in hefty fines amounting to €20 million or 10% of turnover, sterner penalties for non-compliance could be criminal sanctions against company directors.
Earlier, independent TD, Matt Shanahan remarked that he overheard politicians “bemoaning hate speech and the degradation of the political landscape, obliviously questioning the origin of this rage,” but ignoring their role in fuelling it, by neglecting development in certain regions of the country.
Responding to these comments, the Taoiseach said they were “completely inappropriate”, asserting there’s “no excuse for the loathing some members of the house have been subjected to or the scare tactics and assaults they have endured, in both cyber and real world, at their residences or against their family members. I wouldn’t wish such experiences upon my worst adversary,” he concluded.