New media regulator can impose large fines

Social media platforms will soon have legal obligations to ensure their platforms are safer and failure to implement the code of practice will result in fines under Irish and EU law, the new media regulator has announced.

Coimisiún na Meán has outlined its plans to improve online safety and to regulate and support the online media sector. The commission will implement a legally binding safety code which will cover is- sues such as the sharing of harmful video content online and increasing child safety protections.

Speaking to media this week the new Online Safety Commissioner Niamh Hodnett outlined repercussions for media companies that do not take action to reduce online harms. Punishments will include fines up to €20m or 10pc of relevant turnover under the online safety code, whichever is the greater, or 6pc of worldwide turnover if being prosecuted under the new EU Digital Services Act.