Justice Minister Helen McEntee has voiced strong disapproval over a threatening act directed towards the family of Taoiseach Simon Harris, which wasn’t immediately removed from a social media platform. Ms McEntee made clear on Newstalk Breakfast that whether a threat is made online or in person, it is equally unlawful and should receive immediate action.
The inappropriate threat directed at Mr Harris’s wife and children on Instagram is under investigation by the Gardaí. Labelled as “absolutely appalling” by the Justice Minister, she emphasised that the nature and implications of online threats were no different than if they had been made face-to-face.
The Minister further elaborated the important role social media companies have in ensuring the rapid removal of such content, most critically when the material disclosed is blatantly illegal. The Gardaí are consistently liaising with these social media companies, she disclosed. The recently established online safety commission, Coimisiún na Meán, will also play a pivotal role in safeguarding and compelling compliance from social media companies, Ms McEntee added.
In a later discussion on RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland, she strongly implied that self-regulation for social media companies was not the approach for the present time. Instead, she emphasised the significance of having an online safety commissioner, who is responsible for making sure that not only harmful content, but also illegal content is promptly removed. She added that if social media companies fail to do their part, there will be stringent penalties issued.
The Minister has informed that Coimisiún na Meán is in the process of finalizing a code of practice, which is expected to be put into effect by the year’s end. Substantial penalties will be imposed on social media organisations that fail to comply, says the Minister.