Lack of complaints mechanism a 'major gap' in plan for online regulator

An individual complaints mechanism for harmful online content, which was called for by the Children’s Rights Alliance, has not yet been included in the bill. File Picture

The Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill paves the way for a powerful new regulator to oversee online communications, the minister with responsibility for media said yesterday.

A new Media Commission will replace the current Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), under the bill, and will be responsible for overseeing updated regulations for broadcasting, video-on-demand services and online safety.