Report on internet content governance published
The government has committed to introducing a range of new measures on internet content issues after an expert advisory group issued its final report on Tuesday, June 24.
Led by Dr. Brian O’Neill of Dublin Institute of Technology, the Expert Group on Internet Content Governance has recommended a suite of changes to policy, including legislative changes to take account of instances of cyberbullying.
Launching the report, Pat Rabbitte, the communications minister, praised the “high quality, comprehensive and insightful” study, which included input from a range of stakeholders.
Government promises to do more in the area of internet content governance
Minister Rabbitte said the proposals will be implemented in the coming months.
“The way in which we all use the internet and social media is fast changing,” said the minister.
“However, these dramatic changes to the communications landscape do not warrant unilateral blocking action by Government.
“It falls to us all, but most particularly to parents, to keep an eye on what their children are doing online.”
He added: “The State must and, on foot of this report, will do more in this area, including ensuring that parents, children, and teachers should have access to all the information and resources from Government that they need to ensure that children are safe online.”
[gview file=”https://www.webwise.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/InternetContentGovernanceAdvisoryGroup.pdf”] Download the complete report
The group was formed in December 2013. During its public consultation it received some 59 responses and from citizens, industry, not for profit organisations and representative groups, and held a number of meetings with major international companies operating from Ireland.
The Webwise Youth Panel submitted their ideas to Dr. O’Neill and their opinions are included in the report.
Among the group’s recommendations is a revised role for the Office for Internet Safety as well as an expanded and reconfigured role for the Internet Safety Advisory Committee as the National Council for Child Internet Safety.
It also called for an enhanced Safer Internet Ireland project, which is currently co-financed by the European Commission, to act as the Safer Internet Ireland Centre (SIIC).
Here is the background on the group and its terms of reference.
