The European Union’s new online safety rules come into full force today in Ireland and across the EU.
The Digital Services Act requires online platforms to do more when it comes to removing harmful content and tackling the spread of misinformation.
Companies can be fined up to 6% of their global turnover if they violate the rules, and repeat offenders could be banned from doing business in the EU.
Coimisiún na Meán, the Irish media regulator, is tasked with enforcing the DSA in Ireland.
From Monday, it will operate a contact center for members of the public to raise concerns about online content and receive advice.
Users are encouraged to report any illegal content they find online to the platform, which is obligated to take action against it.
Many of the biggest tech companies have their European headquarters in Ireland, so Irish regulators will also have a role in dealing with complaints from other EU countries.
Human rights group Amnesty International called on governments to strongly enforce the new rules.
“This is a historic day for technology accountability,” said Amnesty Tech researcher and advisor Alia Al-Ghassein.
“EU Member States and the European Commission must resist any attempts by Big Tech companies to undermine implementation and enforcement efforts and place human rights at the forefront of this new digital environment,” Al-Ghussein said. We have to make a point,” he said.
The new contact center in Coimisiún na Meán will start operating from Monday. You can contact us on 01 963 7755 or email usersupport@cnam.ie.