Minister praises Irish ‘fake news’ fight role
COMMUNICATIONS Minister Denis Naughten has welcomed the appointment of Independent News & Media Group Editor-in-Chief Stephen Rae to the European Commission’s expert group to tackle the issue of fake news.
The group has been established to advise the European Commission on all issues in relation to the spread of false information across traditional and social media, and on how to cope with its social and political consequences.
Mr Rae was invited to join the group by director-general of the EC’s Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology, Roberto Viola.
Mr Rae also serves on the board of the World Editors Forum.
Mr Naughten said: “Journalism goes to the heart of who and what we are as Irish people. Fake news will only be combated by strengthening and supporting quality journalism.
“This appointment means Ireland is well-placed in Europe to contribute to the debate on tackling fake news.”
Ahead of the group’s first meeting in Brussels tomorrow, Mr Rae said: “We have seen the widespread damage that can be done by the wilful dissemination of false information on social media platforms.
“I look forward to meeting and exchanging views with my colleagues on the expert group as we advise the European Commission on dealing with this complex challenge, which has major social and political consequences for citizens.”
Former RTE director-general Noel Curran — now director-general of the European Broadcasting Union — is also a member of the group.