How You Are Protected Online: Ireland’s Online Safety Framework 

The internet is a big part of your life—whether you’re scrolling through social media, streaming videos, gaming, or chatting with friends. While it’s a great place to learn, connect, and have fun, it can also present risks like cyberbullying, harmful content, or misinformation. To help ensure the online world is a safer and more positive space, Ireland has introduced the Online Safety Framework, led by Coimisiún na Meán (Ireland’s Media Commission). 

This framework creates rules and standards for digital platforms and social media companies to follow, ensuring they take responsibility for protecting their users, especially children and young people. It includes laws like the Online Safety Code and aligns with the Digital Services Act (DSA), a set of EU-wide rules. Together, these measures hold platforms accountable for harmful content, protect your privacy, and promote fairness, transparency, and respect online. 

How Does It Protect You? 

1. Regulating Platforms 
   Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube must follow Ireland’s Online Safety Code. This means they are required to: 

• Remove harmful content quickly. 

• Put measures in place to stop harmful content from being uploaded in the first place. 

• Make sure reporting and blocking tools are easy to use. 

2. Protecting Against Harmful Content 
   The framework ensures that platforms work to prevent the sharing of dangerous material, such as: 

• Self-harm or suicide content. 

• Hate speech targeting individuals or groups. 

• Dangerous challenges or harmful online trends. 
  Platforms face penalties if they fail to act against this kind of content. 

3. Privacy and Data Protection 
   In addition to under the GDPR, your personal data—like your photos, location, or browsing habits—is protected under the Digital Services Act (DSA). Key protections include: 

• Restrictions on targeted ads based on your personal information. 

• Clear information about how your data is used. 

• Tools to control your privacy settings and limit data collection. 

4. Promoting Transparency 

Platforms must be clear about: 

• How their algorithms decide what content you see (like your newsfeed or video recommendations). 

• How they handle reports of harmful or illegal content. 

• What steps they take to keep users, especially young people, safe. 

This means you can better understand and take control of your online experience. 

5. Providing Easy Reporting Tools 

If you encounter harmful content, cyberbullying, or scams, platforms must offer tools to report these issues quickly and easily. You also have the right to block accounts or posts that make you feel uncomfortable. 

What Can You Do? 

Knowing how you’re protected is a great first step in staying safe online. You can also: 

• Report harmful and illegal content: Use the tools available on social media platforms to report issues. 

• Stay informed: Learn about your digital rights and privacy settings. 

• Set boundaries: Balance your online and offline time for your mental well-being. 

• Talk to someone: If something makes you feel unsafe or worried online, don’t hesitate to ask a parent, teacher, or trusted adult for support. 

Ireland’s Online Safety Framework is designed to give you the tools and protections to enjoy in the digital world safely and confidently. By staying informed and taking advantage of these measures, you can enjoy the benefits of the internet while staying safe and secure.