Big social media firms 'don’t like being regulated', Oireachtas committee told
The media watchdog is already examining whether firms such as X and Meta are adhering to its online safety code which fully came into force in July. File picture: Pexels
The media watchdog is facing “resistance” from big social media firms that “don’t like being regulated”, an Oireachtas committee has heard.
Addressing the Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs, Coimisiún na Meán’s Digital Services Commissioner John Evans said the regulator is already examining whether firms such as X and Meta are adhering to its online safety code which fully came into force in July.
In the coming weeks, it also expects to reach conclusions on a probe into several platforms on their processes for users to report illegal content. It is also seeking further powers from the Government to gather information on platforms.
“We’ve defended three judicial reviews already on the online safety code,” Mr Evans said.
"You need to turn the regulatory levers to make that happen. It’s not an entirely smooth process, nor would we expect it to be.”
Representatives from Ireland’s regulator fielded questions before the committee on Wednesday, with children’s access to online pornography, electoral integrity and online scams among the numerous issues falling under its remit.
As part of wider European legislation aimed at holding online platforms to account, the online safety code puts binding requirements on large video-sharing platforms based in Ireland to protect users online. This includes age assurance measures to ensure children cannot access pornography or gratuitous violence on the platform.
Live investigations at European level include one into Elon Musk-owned X on how it is dealing with misinformation and disinformation on its platform. Another is on the “rabbit holes" of TikTok algorithms. Mr Evans said it’s still “early” in this regulatory regime and it takes time for investigations to conclude.
“If the platforms do not comply, we will have no hesitation in launching enforcement action and investigations, which may result in fines which can run to hundreds of millions of euros for the largest platforms,” he said.
Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú asked about interaction with online platforms, particularly in the wake of political violence such as videos showing the murder of US right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk.
“The people who have the power are the online platforms,” he said. “With the resources you have, it's like a five-a-side team going up against Bayern Munich or Barcelona in their prime.”
Mr Evans said that Ireland’s regulator “isn’t alone” in this space.
Another issue raised centred around proposals in Australia to restrict social media for under-16s.
“We work very closely with Australia’s eSafety commissioner, and we’re both members of the global online safety regulators network,” the regulator's director of communications and public affairs Tiernan Kenny said.
“We will stay in close contact with them and certainly learn from their experience as that ban is implemented.”
