Bruton to reveal tech firm input

COMMUNICATIONS Minister Richard Bruton is to reveal what submissions he receives from tech firms and members of the public on plans to introduce an Online Safety Commissioner.

Mr Bruton confirmed on Monday that he plans to introduce a new digital tsar who would have the power to hit social media giants with fines if they fail to comply with new rules.

When outlining his plans to introduce new online safety laws earlier this week, Mr Bruton also commenced a six-week consultation period which would allow companies and the public to make submissions. Once this consultation period is up, the Minister said he will bring a summary of the draft bill to government.

It is likely that Facebook and other social media platforms will make submissions, as they have previously discussed Sinn Féin’s Digital Safety Commissioner Bill before the Oireachtas Communications Committee and voiced concerns how it would impact on freedom of expression.

Mr Bruton’s proposal for the Online Safety Commissioner also includes a plan to force platforms to introduce an Online Safety Code and the power to alert the public that a social media company has failed to comply with the Online Safety Commissioner.

Monday’s announcement of the commissioner was widely welcomed by advocacy groups and TDs, and it came following the Irish Daily Mail’s lengthy Protect Our Kids Online Campaign.

Sinn Féin’s Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, who received cross-party support for his Digital Safety Commissioner Bill, has now sought a meeting with Mr Bruton.