Coimisiún na Meán Has Released an Online Safety Code To Regulate Content On Major Video Sharing Platforms Headquartered In Ireland
What is happening?
On the back of the EU Digital Services Act (DSA) adopted in 2022, Coimisiún na Meán have published a new legally binding online safety code that will regulate content on video-sharing platforms with the aim of protecting users from harmful content. The online safety code was developed following the enactment of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022, and will be applicable to Irish-based video-sharing platforms. This means that Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, X, Pinterest, Tumblr and Reddit will all be obliged to comply with the new code, or face fines of up to €20 million, or 10 per cent of a platform’s annual turnover, whichever is greater.
Content that will be regulated will include cyberbullying, content promoting self-harm or suicide and promoting eating or feeding disorders, incitement to hatred or violence, terrorism, child sex abuse material, racism and xenophobia.
This is a growing trend where governments are taking a more active role against tech companies to put an end to ‘social media self regulation’. Norway has also announced that they are to enforce a strict minimum age limit on social media of 15.
Why is it important?
This is a welcome change as we know that social media can have a negative effect on self esteem and body image, can result in increased levels of depression and anxiety, and can impact overall mental health. This act should limit the content that users are exposed to and will aim to increase positive mental health in Ireland. With the upcoming general election at the end of the year it can also aim to limit the spread of misinformation and eventually could lead to increased trust in the social platforms. From an advertising point of view, it sets a precedent for the social media giants to be accountable for the content that is on their platforms which will likely result in safer brand environments in the long term.
Sources:
https://www.cnam.ie/coimisiun-na-mean-adopts-final-online-safety-code/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451958821000695\
