The UK government has published its initial consultation response on the Online Harms White Paper (see our previous post here). The new regulatory framework proposes introducing a ‘duty of care’ on online services in respect of harmful content. The government’s initial response reports on the findings from the public consultation, and provides an indication of how the legislation will be taken forward.
Continue Reading Online Harms White Paper – UK government publishes its initial consultation response
Social Media
ICO launches consultation on Code of Practice to help protect children online
By Jaymee Cronolly on
Posted in Social Media
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched a consultation on a code of practice for online services to ensure they adequately safeguard children’s personal data. This follows on from the UK consultation for new online safety laws (discussed here). The Irish government has also recently launched guidance in relation to online safety (discussed here). The UK Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018 also requires the ICO to produce an age-appropriate design code of practice to give guidance to organisations about the privacy standards they should adopt when offering online services and apps that children are likely to access and which will process their personal data.
Continue Reading ICO launches consultation on Code of Practice to help protect children online
Digital Safety Commissioner to be appointed in 2018
By Daniel Harrington on
The Minister for Communications, Denis Naughten, has confirmed that plans to appoint a Digital Safety Commissioner for Ireland (DSC) will go ahead in 2018. The DSC will act as an ‘Internet regulator’, with powers of enforcement and responsibility for a ‘notice and takedown’ regime, to ensure the online safety of Internet users.
Continue Reading Digital Safety Commissioner to be appointed in 2018
Modernising Copyright – ICEL/TCD Conference
By Daniel Harrington on
The conference on Modernising Copyright, jointly organised by the Irish Centre for European Law and the School of Law, Trinity College Dublin, brought together a number of interesting academics, practitioners and commentators, for a lively discussion concerning various aspects of the future of copyright law in Europe. Among the issues addressed were the development of a Digital Single Market (DSM) in Europe, the nature of copyright exceptions and limitations, and the position of online service providers and intermediaries vís-a-vís copyright infringement. Continue Reading Modernising Copyright – ICEL/TCD Conference
New legal powers proposed to outlaw sinister social media content
By Davinia Brennan on
Posted in Social Media
A Private Members Bill – the Public Electronic Communications Networks (Improper Use) Bill 2015 –
The law has consistently prohibited the improper use of the postal and telephone systems, however a legal loophole exists in respect of electronic communications or social media. The new legislation proposes amending section 13 of the Post Office (Amendment) Act 1951, as substituted by section 4 of, and Schedule 1 to, the Communications regulation (Amendment) Act 2007.Continue Reading New legal powers proposed to outlaw sinister social media content
Law Reform Commission launches consultation process on cyber-crime
By Davinia Brennan on
Posted in Privacy, Social Media
The Law Reform Commission (LRC) has launched a consultation process reviewing Irish law on cyber-crime affecting personal safety, privacy and reputation, including cyber-bullying. It addresses harassment conducted through cyber-technology, and other harmful communications through the use of internet enable devices such as smartphones, tablets and PCs.
The Issues Paper, published by the LRC today, reviews the legal safeguards currently in place and considers where they might be strengthened. The LRC seeks the views of interested parties on five issues, including:-
"(1) Whether the harassment offence in section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 should be …
Continue Reading Law Reform Commission launches consultation process on cyber-crime
An Irish Tech Company’s Role in Combatting Ebola
By Deirdre Roddy on
Posted in Media, Social Media
As the world still tries to come to grasps with the Ebola crisis in Africa, it is thought that the greatest risk of contracting the deadly virus in Europe is for healthcare workers. An Irish tech start-up company called Medical eGuides has launched an app which will provide medical staff with critical information on how to effectively and competently treat Ebola-infected patients in accordance with the World Health Organisation’s guidelines.Continue Reading An Irish Tech Company’s Role in Combatting Ebola