Event ‘a cynical exercise’ – top psychologist

THE world’s leading cyber-psychology expert has said she doesn’t see ‘any point’ in attending a special summit on the protection of our children online – describing it as a ‘cynical exercise’.

The event, a gathering of experts and stakeholders, is being organised by Communications Minister Denis Naughten, and will be held at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin on Thursday, March 8. Mr Naughten intends to be informed by the summit before drawing up a detailed prospectus for a new Digital Safety Commission.

Among those due to take part in the conference was Dr Mary Aiken, the world’s top cyber-psychologist. However, last night Dr Aiken suggested she may not attend.

‘To be honest, I thought that this conference was going to be used to inform the digital age of consent issue before it went to the Senate and before it went to the Dáil,’ she said.

‘I thought the matter would have been debated between March and May and now I find out that the conference is going to be held what looks like after the fact. For me, that’s a cynical exercise. If this (the digital age of consent) is approved in the Senate now, it could be back in the Dáil in a few weeks and then it’s done. So the conference is after the fact. I don’t see the point in attending. In terms of influencing policy, it’s over.’

The Government is coming under pressure to appoint a digital safety commissioner, as recommended in a 241-page report by the Law Reform Commission published in 2016.