The media regulator Coimisiún na Meán has opened a review of online platforms amid concerns that people are having difficulty reporting illegal content.
An Coimisiún is now initiating a formal review of online platforms’ systems, to ensure that the platforms are complying with their obligations under the EU Digital Services Act (DSA).
One in three digital services complaints made to Coimisiún na Meán relate to difficulties reporting illegal content online.
The companies contacted are TikTok, X, YouTube, Meta, LinkedIn, Temu, Pinterest, Shein, Etsy, Dropbox, Hostelworld and Tumblr.
Coimisiún na Meán will engage with the platforms to ensure that their reporting mechanisms and point of contacts comply with the requirements of the DSA.
Under the DSA, online platforms must have easy to access and user-friendly ways for users to report illegal content.
They must also have a clear and accessible point of contact for users to contact them.
Where concerns remain, Coimisiún na Meán can issue a compliance notice directing platforms to address any shortcomings identified in their systems and processes.
If this does not lead to changes and improvements, An Coimisiún can open a formal investigation. If the investigation leads to a finding of non-compliance, Coimisiún na Meán can impose sanctions, such as a fine.
An Coimisiún can also enter into a binding commitment agreement with a platform, in which the platform gives undertakings to bring its behaviour into line with the law.
John Evans, Digital Services Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán, said “The DSA is a landmark law aimed at creating a safer and fairer online environment for users. However, its effectiveness for Irish and EU citizens hinges on the full implementation of its provisions by platforms.
"Of the complaints we have from people in Ireland and across Europe about online platforms, one in three are about problems when reporting illegal content online. We are intervening now to ensure that platforms follow the rules so that people can effectively exercise their rights under the DSA.’’
