Ireland Wants To Disable Recommender Algorithms on Video-Sharing Platforms

Ireland's Coimisiún na Meán, the new media regulator for online safety, television broadcasting, and video-on-demand services, has introduced the country's first Online Safety Code for video-sharing platforms.

The commission is seeking public feedback on the draft Code, which proposes various measures, including turning off recommender algorithms based on user profiling by default.

Online Safety Code of Ireland for Video-Sharing Platform Services

The draft code aims to establish legal accountability for video-sharing platform service providers (VPSPs) to ensure online safety. Key provisions include implementing robust age verification technology and measures to prevent the sharing or uploading of violent or hate-inducing content.

In a statement, the Coimisiún na Meán announced the initiation of a public consultation on the draft Online Safety Code for video-sharing platform services.

The finalized code will become an integral part of Ireland's comprehensive online safety framework, holding digital services legally responsible for safeguarding users.

This framework will encompass regulations such as the EU Digital Services Act and the EU Terrorist Content Online Regulation, enforced by Coimisiún na Meán in Ireland.

The proposed measures outlined in the draft code mandate designated video-sharing platforms to adopt strategies ensuring the safety of users, especially children, in the online environment.

Protection against specific types of harmful content, including cyberbullying and content promoting eating disorders, self-harm, or suicide, is emphasized.

The measures include the utilization of robust age verification technology to shield children from inappropriate content like pornography. Additionally, parents must be equipped with tools to prevent children from accessing illegal or harmful content online.

To combat the uploading or sharing of illegal content, video-sharing platforms will be obligated to implement preventive measures. Furthermore, these platforms are required to offer media literacy tools to users, aiding in recognizing disinformation and misinformation.

Ireland to Impose Fines of Up to €20 Million

The Online Safety Code will become legally binding for designated video-sharing platforms based in Ireland after finalization. The Coimisiún na Meán will have the authority to impose fines of up to €20 million for violating the code.

Niamh Hodnett, the Online Safety Commissioner, expressed determination to utilize the regulatory powers to ensure online safety, marking a shift from self-regulation to effective external regulation.

The draft code was crafted based on insights gathered from civil society organizations and industry inputs during a summer call for feedback. The public is now invited to contribute their perspectives to this crucial aspect of the new online safety regime.

"Once the consultation closes, we will move to finalise Ireland's first online safety code. We will be seeking approval from the European Commission to implement the code. This effective regulation of video-sharing platforms will significantly reduce the potential harms that these services can cause to children and young people," Hodnett said in a statement.